A detailed evocation of Venice and the city's musical culture that inspired Vivaldi. At the time Venice was, uniquely, a city where all classes mingled in their love of music; aristocrats, gondoliers and the workers met to listen to all types of music. All that is known about Vivaldi's life is included, and all the recent discoveries that have been made about that life (as well as details from Vivaldi's contemporaries). The book captures the hedonistic atmosphere of Venice at the time, already an international tourist destination, and how that was reflected by the mysterious Vivaldi in his baroque music (which is still available in a range of recordings).

About the Author

Patrick Barbier is Professor of Music at the West Catholic University of Angers. A specialist in the history of opera, he has published widely on the subject, including Souvenir Press's The World of Castrati.