The 18th-century viola d'amore typically had fourteen strings: seven played over the fingerboard and bridge, and seven running underneath to provide sympathetic resonances.
Instruments
The viola d'amore, an instrument with sympathetic strings, was included under the generic term 'viole all'inglese' in Vivaldi's time.
Composer Biography
Vivaldi's first official post was as maestro di violino at the Pio Ospdale della Pietà, one of four Venetian orphanages specializing in musical training.
Instruments
John Evelyn noted in his 1679 diary that the viola d'amore produced a 'sweeter sound' than the violin, describing it as 'the sweetest Instrument or more surprizing'.
Performer Biography
Catherine Mackintosh, the viola d'amore soloist, was a pioneer in early string-playing techniques and was appointed leader of The Academy of Ancient Music in 1973.
Compositional Technique
Vivaldi's thorough exploration of ritornello form and consistent use of the three-movement (fast-slow-fast) scheme laid the foundation for the Baroque concerto.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Vivaldi's six concertos for viola d'amore are considered the greatest achievement in the repertoire for the instrument due to their extensive inventiveness.
