Karl Heller's biography of Antonio Vivaldi, originally published in Germany in 1991 in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the composer's death, presents the most important facets of Vivaldi's life, of his works, and of his influence on music history. This new English translation incorporates recent Vivaldi research by the author and others, providing new factual material and fresh insights, including the latest painstaking efforts at dating Vivaldi's compositions.

Written for musicians and music students as well as for the many other lovers of Vivaldi's music, the book also offers musicologists little-known material, new information, and new perspectives on the composer.