Antonio Vilvaldi

Age 0 (1678) – Was Born During an Earthquake
Was born in Venice, Italy, during a powerful earthquake.

Age 15 (1693) – Began Training for the Priesthood
Began studying for the Catholic priesthood while pursuing his musical interests.

Age 25 (1703) – Became Known as “The Red Priest”
Was ordained as a Catholic priest and earned the nickname “The Red Priest” because of his red hair.

Age 25 (1703) – Began Teaching at the Ospedale della Pietà
Became a violin teacher at the Ospedale della Pietà, an institution for orphaned and disadvantaged girls in Venice.

Age 28 (1706) – Focused on Music Instead of Mass
Stopped celebrating Mass regularly, reportedly because of his recurring breathing problems, and devoted more time to composing and teaching music.

Age 47 (1725) – Published The Four Seasons
Published The Four Seasons, a set of violin concertos that became his most famous work.

Age 52 (1730) – Travelled Across Europe
Travelled to promote and stage his operas, often working with singer Anna Girò, one of his frequent collaborators.

Age 59 (1737) – Faced Controversy in Ferrara
Was barred from entering Ferrara by the papal authorities amid controversy surrounding his professional relationship with Anna Girò.

Age 63 (1740) – Moved to Vienna
Moved to Vienna, hoping to secure support from Emperor Charles VI, who had admired his music. The emperor died shortly after Vivaldi arrived.

Age 63 (1741) – Died in Poverty
Died in Vienna in relative obscurity. His music later experienced a major revival in the 20th century.