Orch. of the Age of Enlightenment . Scola Pietatis A. Vivaldi - Pavlo Beznosiuk

The context in which Antonio Vivaldi worked is now widely known. As a 'maestro di violino' he wrote countless works for the famous Venetian Ospedale della Pietà, one of the four orphanages for girls in the city. The majority of the children were actually not orphans but the unwelcome result of extramarital affairs; a common given in a city reputed for its loose morals and promiscuity. Musical education and a thorough training in singing as well as instrumental playing were a key part of orphanage life. Since some of his pupils were such gifted and virtuoso instrumentalists he had them play as soloists, accompanied by an exclusively female orchestra. Not surprisingly, curiosity attracted many spectators, who came from all over Europe to listen - seeing the girls however was a bit more difficult as they had to play behind a curtain! Vivaldi composed beautiful religious music for this Ospedale della Pietà. Besides the well known festive 'Gloria' you will hear the intimate 'Salve Regina', a jewel of baroque religious expression. Lucy Crowe and the ladies of the Scola Pietatis Antonio Vivaldi are the 'orphan girls' ready and at your service.