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Donald Macleod follows Antonio Vivaldi during his period at the court in Mantua and takes a look behind the curtain and onto the stage exploring the world of his operas.

Vivaldi was one of the most original and influential Italian composers of his generation, and his music travelled far past the boundaries of his native Italy. He was considered an innovator in the art of violin technique and concerto writing, and yet he said himself that during his career he wrote nearly one hundred operas in total, though few have survived today. Vivaldi not only composed for the stage and performed in theatre orchestras, but he also became something of an impresario managing many aspects of opera productions. This week Donald Macleod is joined by Professor Eric Cross to lift the veil on this lesser known operatic side of the creator of the famed Four Seasons, Antonio Vivaldi.

From 1718 until 1720, Antonio Vivaldi served the exceedingly God-fearing Prince of Darmstadt at the Mantuan Court. During this period he composed a number of cantatas, and also operas specifically to be premiered in Mantua at the Arciducale theatre, including Tuezzone which was a huge success. Further works for Mantua included Tito Manlio and La Candace, although Vivaldi maintained close links with other cities including Milan and Venice. Vivaldi's operatic career flourished in Mantua, yet disaster struck in 1720 with the death of the Empress in Vienna. All theatres were closed, and Vivaldi soon decided to return to Venice.

Overture - Armida al campo d'Egitto
I Solisti Veneti
Claudio Scimone, director

Tuezzone (Act 3, Sc 1)
Cino .... Roberta Mameli (soprano)
Zelinda .... Delphine Galou (contralto)
Le Concert des Nations
Jordi Savall, director

Tito Manlio (Act 3, Scs 1-4)
Manlio .... Karina Gauvin (soprano)
Servilia .... Ann Hallenberg (mezzo-soprano)
Lucio .... Deborah Beronesi (mezzo-soprano)
Vitellia .... Marijana Mijanovic (contralto)
Lindo .... Christian Senn (bass-baritone)
Accademia Bizantina
Ottavo Dantone, director

Cessate, omai cessate, RV684
Andreas Scholl, countertenor
Ensemble 415
Chiara Banchini, director.