Antonio Lucio Vivaldi (4 March 1678 – 28 July 1741) Italian composer, Baroque period

Vivaldi's Four Seasons is one of the most popular pieces of classical music from the baroque  period, but may serve as an introduction to his vast output of music of all genres. He wrote over 40 operas, 500 concertos for various instruments, church music - he was ordained at the age of 25 and was nicknamed 'The Red Priest', not a reference to his politics but to the colour of his hair. 

During an exceptionally busy career Vivaldi was a noted violinist, a teacher and, once he began to write operas, an impresario. Despite his fame he died in poverty at the age of 63 and his music gradually became less often played as tastes changed and eventually fell into neglect. His music was 'rediscovered' in the 20th century and The Four Seasons must surely be one of the most popular works of all time.

Kingsway Hall Classics has a selection of recordings on LP of this work and we offer performances on original instruments (Pinnock / Kuijken / Hogwood) and many more on modern instruments featuring virtuoso violinists.