Discuss the Principal Differences Between the Orchestras of Vivaldi and Beethoven, and Show How the Composers Wrote for Them

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Vivaldi is an Italian Baroque composer, priest, and virtuoso violinist, born in Venice. Vivaldi is recognized as one of the greatest Baroque composers, and 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 40 operas. His best known work is a series of violin concertos known as The Four Seasons. Vivaldi was progressive musically. He established the concerto form as an instrumental standard, played with the idea that the soloist was at war with the larger orchestra and using the contrasts to dramatic effect, not only between players but in speed and volume levels as well, and he pushed the envelope on violin technique, something in which he probably remained untouched. His usual writing style was antiphony, a simple style, which allowed him to experiment with instrument solos and maintain a light and innocent texture to the music. Vivaldi was one of the rare Italian composers interested in woodwind instruments. He composed several concertos for the bassoon, oboe, recorder and flute, as well as the rarer clarinet. Woodwind instruments had become an integral part of Northern European orchestras, but the trend hadn't made it to Italy, where the violin was king. It is partly through Vivaldi's interactions with travellers to Venice and his own travels to Germany and France that led him to explore woodwinds. It is likely that Vivaldi played some of these instruments as well. Vivaldi’s orchestra in the Bassoon concerto consisted of a bassoon, Violin 1 and 2, Viola, Cello, and Bass. ******** Composer Beethoven was born in Germany. He was an innovator, widening the scope of sonata, symphony, concerto and quartet, and combining vocals and instruments in a new way. His personal life was marked by a struggle against deafness, and

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