Vivaldi flute concerto

Antonio Vivaldi, (March 4, 1678 – July 28, 1741), is the most well known composer of the Italian Baroque era. He was extremely prolific, writing volumes of church music, operas, and chamber music.

The Four Seasons is his most well-known work, a collection of four violin concerti, each one depicting a different season of the year. Vivaldi learned the violin himself, but played no wind instruments due to his poor health, most probably asthma.

He composed over 500 other concerti, many for flute, and several sonatas.

In addition to being a composer, Vivaldi was also a priest.

The kindly priest (known as "the red priest") was the music master at one of the orphanages in Venice. The boys learned a trade, but the girls received a musical education and sang in the choir. Perhps some of these girls played the flute and inspired his composition for it.

Vivaldi's music is light and playful, typical of the Italian Baroque style, yet forward thinking and pushing musical composition into the Classical era. J.S. Bach himself was influenced by it.

The music of the prolific Venetian master languished in obscurity until well into the 20th century. It is amazing that music from the 17th century exists at all, with poor (if any) archiving methods, few copies ever made (all were handwritten originals!), wars, destruction, and poor communication.

Vivaldi's music for the flute is a true delight for the listener and the flutist.

Six flute concerti are attributed to Vivaldi...

Flute Concerto in A minor, RV 108
I. Allegro molto
II. Largo: Andante
III. Allegro molto

Flute Concerto in F major, Op. 10, No. 1, RV 433, "La tempesta di mare"
I. Allegro
II. Largo
III. Presto

Flute Concerto in G minor, Op. 10, No. 2, RV 439, "La Notte"
I. Largo. Presto. Largo
II. Presto
III. Largo. Il sonno. Allegro

Flute Concerto in D major, Op. 10, No. 3, RV 428, "Il cardellino"
I. Allegro
II. Cantabile
III. Allegro

Flute Concerto in F major, Op. 10, No. 5, RV 434
I. Allegro ma non tanto
II. Largo e cantabile
III. Allegro molto

Concerto in C Minor RV 441
I. Allegro non molto
II. Largo
III. Allegro non molto

There are also three piccolo concerti...

Piccolo Concerto in C major, RV 443: II. Largo
I. Allegro
II. Largo
III. Allegro molto

Piccolo Concerto in C major, RV 444
I. Allegro non molto
II. Largo
III. Allegro molto

Piccolo Concerto in A minor, RV 445
I. Allegro
II. Larghetto
III. Allegro

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