As a virtuoso violinist, as a teacher, as a priest and as a prolific composer, Antonio Vivaldi was a key figure in Baroque Italy and remains one of the most famous names in classical music today. In Wednesday’s programme, Donald Macleod explores the muses who inspired Vivaldi throughout his life and the composer’s relationship with these women - the music written for a virtuoso violinist at the Ospedale della Pieta, and his later relationship with two half-sisters, Anna Giro and Paolina Tessieri, and the accusations levelled against him when they both supposedly moved into his house.

Dorilla In Tempe, RV 709 - Dell'aura al sussurar
Elin Manahan-Thomas (soprano)
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
Harry Christophers (conductor)

Concerto for Viola d’Amore in A minor, RV397
Salzburg Bell’Arte

Orlando furioso, RV 728 - Sol da te, mio dolce amore
Cecilia Bartoli (mezzo-soprano), Jean-Marc Goujon (flute)
Ensemble Matheus
Jean-Christophe Spinosi (conductor)

Nulla in mundo pax sincera, RV630
Simon Kermes (Soprano)
Venice Baroque Orchestra
Andrea Marcon (harpsichord)

Atenaide, RV 702 - Infausta reggia addio
Sandrine Piau (Eudossa)
Modo Antiquo
Federico Maria Sardelli (conductor)

Il Farnace, RV711 - Sinfonia
Le Concert Des Nations
Jordi Savall (director)

Produced by Sam Phillips for BBC Cymru Wales Show less