A big earthquake struck Venice on the day of his birth, March 4, 1678.¹⁾

Antonio learned to play the violin from his father, a professional violinist who also happened to be a barber. Playing violin together, father and son explored Venice. ²⁾

He began his studies to become a priest at the age of 15, earning the moniker Il prêt Rosso, or The Red Priest. It's thought that his red hair, which was a family feature, was to blame. ³⁾

Vivaldi suffered from asthma, which reduced his ability to deliver Mass but allowed him to devote more time to compose music.⁴⁾

He composed several of his greatest compositions while working as a master violinist at the Ospedale della Pieta, a shelter for abandoned children, for over 30 years. A trade was taught to the lads. The orphaned girls were given skilled musical training and were able to join the chorus and orchestra. Their performances were well respected all around the region. ⁵⁾

The Four Seasons (1723), a classic collection of four violin concertos, is regarded as an exemplary example of program music. Each concerto is accompanied by a textual description and presents a scenario suited for each season. ⁶⁾

Vivaldi's music was a favorite of J.S. Bach. Several of Vivaldi's concerti were transcribed for piano, strings, organ, and harpsichord by him. ⁷⁾

Vivaldi composed 500 concertos, 90 sonatas, 46 operas, as well as a huge collection of religious choral pieces and chamber music. ⁸⁾