One of the foremost composers of the late Baroque period, Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi was influential in the development of the concerto form. Although he was originally ordained as a priest, Vivaldi's health drew him away from his priestly duties, and his talent as a violinist and composer led him to teaching and leading the orchestras and choirs of the Ospedale della Pieta, the home for foundlings.
He composed his first work for stage in 1713, his opera Ottone in villa. After its success, Vivaldi went on to compose and arrange many more operas and pasticcos. He gained a following of beautiful and talented singers, for whom he wrote roles in his opera.
Despite his initial success, as fashions changed and interest in opera moved away from the Italian opera seria , Vivaldi's popularity declined. As his poverty worsened, his health failed, and he did not survive to see his last opera L'oracolo in Messenia premiere in 1742.
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