Vivaldi, an 'illusionist of virtuosity,' aimed for agility and natural talent in his violin concertos, often achieving a greater musical effect than the mechanical complexity of his passages.
Composition History
Vivaldi dedicated his 'solemn' Concerto RV 179a to his pupil Anna Maria, who was considered 'the foremost violinist in Italy' at the Ospedale della Pietà.
Compositional Technique
A court jester famously contrasted the playing styles of Jean-Marie Leclair and Pietro Antonio Locatelli, stating, 'This one [Leclair] plays like an angel, and that one [Locatelli] like a devil.'
Historical Context
Jean-Marie Leclair, a French violinist and composer, initially pursued a career as a principal dancer with the Turin opera house before being encouraged by Francesco Lorenzo Somis, a renowned violinist, to focus on the violin.
Composer Biography
Antonio Vivaldi, known as the 'Red-haired Priest,' was ordained a priest in 1703 and became a violin master at the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice.
Recording & Production
This recording was made in February 2021 at the Grande Salle of the Arsenal de Metz, a prestigious venue known for its acoustics and atmosphere.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Pietro Antonio Locatelli, an Italian violinist and composer, was known for his 'intensely theatrical gaze' and 'wild flights' on the violin, which could be 'brutal' for sensitive ears but always stirred his audience.
