Antonio Vivaldi
Antonio Vivaldi, (1675-1741). Italian composer. Vivaldi studied music with his father and took holy orders in 1693. Because of his red hair he was nicknamed ‘The Red Priest’. For many years he was in charge of music at a school for orphaned girls in Venice. His compositions include many concertos, among which are The Four Seasons for violin and orchestra, based on poems written by the composer himself. Vivaldi died in poverty in Vienna.
