Antonio Vivaldi, Italian composer. He learned the violin from his father. He was ordained a priest in 1703 (and later became known as the "Red Priest" because of his red hair).

 

He spent most of his career teaching violin and directing the orchestra in a Venetian girls' orphanage. After 1718 he became more involved as a composer and impresario for the opera.

 

His concerts were very influential in defining the three-movement (fast-slow-fast) form of the genre with a recurring theme (ritornello) for the larger group triggered by contrasting material for the soloists, and he made effects like pizzicato and mute popular.

 

His L'estro armonico (1711), a collection of concerti grossi, attracted international attention. His La stravaganza (c. 1714) was eagerly awaited, as were its successors, including The Four Seasons (1725).

 

In total he wrote more than 500 concerts. His best-known sacred vocal work is the Gloria (1708). Although often accused of repeating himself, Vivaldi was actually very resourceful, and his works had a profound influence on Johann Sebastian Bach.