The Gloria in D is Vivaldi’s most popular choral work and one of his most extensive settings of a liturgical text. If we take it that Vivaldi kept to these conditions throughout the time he was engaged to compose for the Pietà, we can assume that the composer wrote much more sacred music than has come down to us the magnificent works on this recording provide just a snapshot of Vivaldi’s brilliance in this genre. In addition to these pieces, it has since been discovered that there was a contractual requirement for the choir master to compose two new settings of the Mass and Vespers for Easter and the Feast of Visitation. It was during this time that Vivaldi composed the works recorded on this disc. The choir master, Francesco Gasparini, retired in 1713 and his successor was not deemed to have been successful enough as a composer Vivaldi was selected to provide all compositions required for the chapel. In 1701 Antonio Vivaldi was appointed violin teacher at the Ospedale della Pietà – an orphanage that specialised in musical training for young girls.

Vivaldi gloria in d major rv 589