Vivaldi's extensive writing for the bassoon is unusual because, in the early 18th century, the instrument was in decline and primarily used for basso continuo.
Composition History
One hypothesis is that Vivaldi wrote many of his bassoon concertos for the gifted female students (figlie) at the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice, where he taught.
Composition History
Most of Vivaldi's bassoon concertos are preserved in his personal autograph manuscripts, suggesting they were intended for specific Venetian musicians close to him.
Composition History
Antonio Vivaldi's bassoon concertos are the second-largest collection of concertos by him, after those for violin, with thirty-nine extant works.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Vivaldi's focus on the bassoon demonstrates his predilection for the instrument's expressive and virtuosic capabilities, especially when working with skilled players.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Vivaldi had an extraordinary understanding of the bassoon's technical possibilities, treating it in an avant-garde way that elevated it to a full and sumptuous solo instrument.
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