Vivaldi: From Priest to Prolific Composer

Welcome to a neew episode of Origins of Music. Vivaldi's chronic chest condition

made saying Mass nearly impossible, but the Ospedale della Pietà became his perfect refuge.

His breathing issues meant he couldn't stand through long services or walk far,

yet sitting at a music desk to compose and teach girls' orchestra required none of that.

The Pietà needed constant new music for their famous concerts, so instead of altar

duties, Vivaldi poured everything into writing concertos and sacred works. He traveled by gondola,

almost always stayed home in Venice, and the institution valued his genius over his ability

to perform priestly functions. His respiratory problems didn't end his career,