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Antonio Lucio Vivaldi
(Baroque Composer & Virtuoso Violinist Known for His Violin Concertos 'The Four Seasons')
Birthdate: March 4, 1678
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Venice, Italy
Died: July 28, 1741
Antonio Lucio Vivaldi was an influential Italian composer, virtuoso violinist, and impresario of Baroque music. He ranks among the greatest Baroque composers alongside Bach and Handel. Vivaldi's innovative orchestration, violin technique, and programmatic music greatly impacted European music during his lifetime. He is best known for his instrumental concertos, sacred choral works, and operas, with his series of violin concertos, The Four Seasons, being particularly famous. Vivaldi's compositions were performed by the all-female ensemble at the Ospedale della Pietà. Despite initial success, Vivaldi faced financial struggles later in life.