Historical Background

 

Antonio Vivaldi was born, and spent the majority of his life, in Venice, then the 'capitol' of the Republic of Venice. At the time of Vivaldi, although the Republic was in its decline, Venetian art was at its pinnacle; it was the Baroque period and much of the grandeur of the Roman Catholic Church was in resurgence. The surmounting religion of the time - and the splendor of art it endorsed - influenced the future composer, and this context defined him for much of his life. He himself entered the priesthood; he began studying at the age of 15 and was ordained at the age of 25. Other than his direct involvement in the clergy, the Church influenced the art that Vivaldi was involved with. In general, the Church endorsed a resurgence in splendor and grandeur, which paralleled Vivaldi's own exuberance, which itself was relatively new within his sphere. Thus, because Vivaldi was born in the Baroque period, a period largely defined by religious grandeur, and his direct involvement with the Church, his music reflected the drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur associated with the period. The Baroque period influenced the works, career and life of Vivaldi. Vivaldi spent the majority of his life and career in the Conservatorio dell'Ospedale Della Pietà, the most famous Ospedale of many Ospedali. The Ospedali of Venice were a budding system of concert houses that gained great prevalence at the time. They were a main source of culture, and offered an established system and hierarchy to the Venetian music world. Their competitive nature also influenced the music, and led to progressive forms of composition such as Vivaldi's mastery of the relatively new and popular concerto. These Ospedale originated as orphanages, which with government funding trained their children in certain fields. It was typical for girls to be trained as musicians and singers, and the most gifted within each Ospedale went on to perform in the Ospedale's associated ensemble and choir. Although Vivaldi was not raised and educated within the Ospedali he was attracted and retained due to their prestige. Due to his resulting access to the gifted musicians the Ospedale della Pietà produced, many of his works were adapted to fit the Ospedale's orchestra and choir. The Ospedali influenced the works of Vivaldi.