Lumi 32

Antonio Lucio Vivaldi (4 March 1678 – 28 July 1741), nicknamed il Prete Rosso ("The Red Priest") because of his red hair, was an Italian Baroque composer, Catholic priest, and virtuoso violinist, born in Venice. Recognized as one of the greatest Baroque composers, his influence during his lifetime was widespread over Europe. Vivaldi is known mainly for composing instrumental concertos, especially for the violin, as well as sacred choral works and over forty operas. His best known work is a series of violin concertos known as The Four Seasons.

Giovanni Maria Legrenzi is no longer the household name it was during the 17th and 18th Centuries. Lengrenzi's shameful neglect by the record industry has been hard to fathom, but this new Divox release of his chamber oratorio «The death of the Repentant Heart» could well launch the much-needed revival for the Venetian master - a composer who took over where Gabrieli and Monteverdi left off. Legrenzi, better known for his operas than his religious works durîng his lifetime (1626-1690), was widely admired (and copied) all over Europe.

Maurice Bourbon is a choral conductor and teacher known for his interpretations of early polyphonic music. He is the director of the French early music vocal ensemble Métamorphoses. From its inception in 1983, the ensemble has specialized in French and Italian music from the Renaissance and Baroque. Bourbon leads Métamorphoses with or without instrumental accompaniment, depending on the repertoire.