So what about the rest of his oeuvre? He was prolific, but he has the reputation of having written the same concerto 500 times - always the sawing rhythms and predictable contrasts between soloists and orchestral group. And with Vivaldi appearing on such inane best-selling collections as “The Most Relaxing Classical Music Album in the World - Ever!” “Build Your Baby’s Brain,” “Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits” and “Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music,” a vacation from Vivaldi might seem the healthiest choice these days. This is not exactly the profile of a neglected composer, a victim of history. For its magazine ads a while ago, Saab enticed convertible buyers by claiming that its car went well with Vivaldi, hoping we would imagine ourselves cruising through the country in a convertible, top down, and impulsive, sprightly idiosyncratic music, brilliant as the bright sun, pouring out of the stereo. Turn on the television or radio, and it won’t be long before you hear “The Four Seasons” backing up a commercial. You can hear it transcribed for guitar, flute, harp or even traditional Chinese instruments. Among interpretive options are these famous Baroque concertos performed on modern violins or 18th century fiddles. Schwann Opus, the classical music CD catalog, lists dozens of versions of what is one of the most popular pieces in all of classical music.

Narrow your search to “The Four Seasons,” and the choices are still overwhelming. You will be confronted with 2,143 releases. Looking for some Vivaldi CDs? Try and click on the Baroque composer’s name.

Most famous vivaldi pieces