Bach and Vivaldi - a baroque comparison

There are several fascinating similarities and differences between the two prominent composers of the baroque era. Both Vivaldi and Bach acquired great fame for their mastery of their favorite instruments. Bach was considered an organist virtuoso who was celebrated beyond the borders of Germany. Similarly, although Vivaldi was internationally known as a composer, his fame came from being an incomparable violin player. On the other hand, while Vivaldi led the life of an international jetsetter, racing from one appointment to the next, Bach was content to live and work in his native community, and never ventured beyond North-German borders. Although the Italian master came I contact with a variety of national musical styles, his music was little affected by his travels. Bach was always an enthusiastic student, and carefully blended Italian and other national music with his own ideas. In simple terms, the main difference between the two composers is that Bach saw music as an intellectual pursuit, while Vivaldi was primarily concerned with how the music sounded. Still, both of them were geniuses in their own rights and their musical oeuvre will never be forgotten.

(picture: HalidonMusic)