Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) was an ordained priest who served as violin master at a Venetian orphanage. The energy, passion, and lyricism of his concerti, 500 of which survive, made a permanent mark on musical history and have served as a lasting influence on latter-day composers. Former Dover editor David Dutkanicz holds degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, New York University, and Columbia University. He is the editor of several books in this series.