Vivaldi was appointed a violin teacher at the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice, a famous home for 'orphans' that provided extensive musical education.
Composer Biography
Antonio Vivaldi, known as the 'Red-Haired Priest', was ordained in 1703 but stopped saying mass after about a year due to a health problem.
Compositional Technique
Vivaldi frequently used 'contrafactum' or 'parody' techniques, reusing musical material from his own works, such as the Magnificat, in his Kyrie and Credo.
Historical Context
The Ospedale della Pietà's religious services, performed entirely by girls, were highly regarded for their sacred music, with the Pietà being considered the best.
Interpretation
This recording attempts to recreate a complete Vivaldi mass, including 'missing' Sanctus and Agnus Dei movements, by drawing on the composer's pre-existing works, similar to his own compositional methods.
Composition History
Vivaldi was contractually obligated to compose at least two new masses and two new Vespers annually for the Ospedale della Pietà, along with numerous motets and other works.
Compositional Technique
The motet Ostro picta, armata spina, which serves as an introduction to the Gloria, was likely composed for the Ospedale della Pietà's patronal festival on July 2nd, celebrating the Visitation of the Virgin.
