LXXXI. VIVALDI, Antonio: Concerto in E Minor for Bassoon and Strings, RV 484

LXXXI. VIVALDI, Antonio (1678-1741)

Concerto in E Minor for Bassoon and Strings, RV 484
2. Andante
3. Allegro
Klaudia Abramczuk, bassoon
The Karol Szymanowski School of Music Orchestra, Warsaw
Marta Kluczyńska, cond.
(12:56)

J.S. Bach never wrote a bassoon concerto. Vivaldi, OTOH, was fascinated with all sorts of atypical instruments as soloists -- piccolo (or recorder), oboe, and combinations of all sorts of winds and strings.

As someone pointed out in the YouTube comment section, Vivaldi -- unlike Bach -- seemed to anticipate the Classical movement -- crisp, tightly organized compositional structures, and simple thematic material.

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Born in Venice, his father trained him on the violin and soon he was also composing. He studied for priesthood and was ordained in 1703. His health was always problematic (probably asthma) and he seemed to prefer composing to performing Mass. He was nicknamed "The Red Priest," presumably because of the color of his hair.

Vivaldi was one of the most prolific composers of all time -- he wrote about 500 concerti, of which 230 are for the violin, while the others are for various combinations of wind and strings. In addition, he wrote 46 operas, a large amount of sacred choral music and 90 sonatas.

Late in life, he met Emperor Charles VI and moved to Vienna, hoping for royal support. However, the Emperor died soon after Vivaldi's arrival, and Vivaldi himself died in poverty less than a year later.

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This performance by Polish college students is up to professional standards. Most European and Russian schools manage to develop musicianship in their pupils from a very early age. These kids are great!