Smithsonian Associates: Antonio Vivaldi – Revival of a Baroque Genius

Antonio Vivaldi’s music is so beloved today that it’s hard to imagine he was virtually forgotten for nearly two centuries. In his day, the fiery-haired, virtuoso violinist and Catholic priest was celebrated for his striking innovations in Baroque form, but after his death much of the work of the “Red Priest” vanished from performance.

A remarkable rediscovery of manuscripts in the 20th century swept his genius back to concert stages worldwide and revealed the astonishing scope of his creativity. From the vivid musical storytelling of The Four Seasons, inspiring choral masterpieces such as his Gloria, and his hundreds of concertos and operas, Vivaldi’s legacy now stands as one of the defining achievements of the Baroque era. Combining an illustrated lecture with live piano demonstrations, popular speaker and concert pianist Rachel Franklin explores Vivaldi’s restless, colorful life, his groundbreaking musical style, and the fascinating story of how his music made one of the greatest comebacks in cultural history.

British-born Franklin has been a featured speaker for organizations including the Library of Congress and NPR, exploring intersections among classical and jazz music, film scores, and the fine arts.