Antonio Vivaldi

The story goes that when Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741) was born he was so sickly that he was baptized the same day, in San Giovanni in Brágora. Scholars debate whether or not his mother promised him to the priesthood if he should survive, but it was the best way for a young man to get an education. Because of Vivaldi's red hair, he was nicknamed the 'Red Priest' but he never said many masses; he suffered from a tightness of the chest and was given a dispensation.

Another reason was because music was his true vocation.

Vivaldi's father was a barber who became a professional violinist; he taught young Antonio his instrument, which he excelled at. In 1703 he was appointed violin master at the conservatory of the Ospedale della Pietà, where he served from 1703 to 1715 and from 1723 to 1740. He an exceptional teacher, and wrote execises and concerti for his students, and made La Pietà famous across Europe. Beginning in 1711, his compositions were published in Amsterdam by Estienne Roger.