THE LIFE OF ANTONIO VIVALDI

SUSAN BUDIG's short poem
about Venice's 'Red Priest',
composed in the form
of a classical rondeau

Il Prete Rosso, the audience said
Nickname conferred on account of the red
At a young age, ordained a priest
Then chose to serve the very least
Music supplied his butter and bread

Born in Venice in a simple bed
Composed concertos as his papà led
Opera added to his musical feast
Il Prete Rosso

Song, his bride, he remained unwed
Melody of nature filled his head
Seasons inspired an air he pieced
Dubbed a knight, fame rose like yeast
Le quattro stagioni his most glorious thread
Il Prete Rosso

ANTONIO VIVALDI

VENICE

FOUR SEASONS

FICTION