Baroque Conversations: Vivaldi and Scarlatti in Dialogue

The programme brings together the music of Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741) and Alessandro Scarlatti (1660–1725)—two giants of the Italian Baroque whose paths never crossed directly, but whose musical legacies offer a fascinating study in contrast and complement. Both were prolific, inventive, and deeply influential, yet they approached composition from different angles: Scarlatti was primarily a composer of vocal music, operating at the heart of the Neapolitan operatic tradition, while Vivaldi, though also an opera composer, is best known for revolutionising instrumental music, particularly the concerto.

Performed by the Valletta Baroque Ensemble.

Valletta Baroque Ensemble (ViBE)

Violin 1

Sarah Spiteri

Tatjana Chircop

Violin 2

Marcelline Agius

Sonia Mallia

Viola

Matthew Fenech

Joseph Mallia

Cello

Simon Abdilla Joslin

Ruth Verona

Double Bass

Marco Agnetti

Harpsichord

Tom Armitage

Lute

Pablo Zapico

Recorder

John McDonough

Clara Galea

A Vivaldi Concerto for strings in D major RV 121

Allegro – Adagio – Allegro

A Scarlatti Sonata for 2 recorders, 2 violins and continuo in A major

Grave – Allegro – Minuet

A Vivaldi Concerto for strings in G major RV151 – ‘Sinfonia all Rustica’

Presto – Adagio – Allegro

A Scarlatti Sinfonia avanti la Serenata ‘Clori, Dorino e Amore’

Largo – Allegro – Minuet - Grave

A Vivaldi Viola d’amore and Lute concerto RV 540


Allegro – Largo – Allegro

Sarah Spiteri – viola d’amore

Pablo Zapico - lute