For a long time, Antonio Vivaldi was known only as a composer of instrumental works. After all, the myth formed about the Red Priest from Venice was irresistible: Vivaldi has his Four Seasons performed by an orchestra of orphaned girls and illegal daughters from the local Ospedale. The fact that the rebellious composer also caused quite a commotion in the Venetian opera theaters, did not fit the
… picture. But Vivaldi was a well-known and prolific opera composer in his day who introduced a new, wanton style: highly contrasting emotions, intensely dramatic, full of abrupt transitions in melody, rhythm and texture. Vivaldi's opera career began in 1713 when he caused quite a stir in the established order of an older generation of composers in Venice. And in the course of the 1730s he was once again thrown off the map by a new generation of composers who represented the Neapolitan style. Nowadays, Vivaldi's operas are being rediscovered and top singers love to dedicate an entire recital CD to the composer. This is also the case with countertenor Philippe Jaroussky who, with his ethereal voice and flawless coloratura technique, is a specialist in the field of baroque music. (CP)more
