Could be fun, could suck. Worth note, in any case.
Guardian Unlimited Arts | Arts news | Vivaldi, the sex-obsessed rock star A biopic based on the early years of Antonio Vivaldi's life is set to do for the baroque composer what Milos Forman's Amadeus achieved for Mozart more than two decades ago. Joseph Fiennes [never heard of 'em] plays the lead in Vivaldi, which starts filming next April, alongside Gerard Depardieu, Jacqueline Bisset and Malcolm McDowell....Vivaldi's plot begins with the composer entering the clergy. Fiennes' character soon realises he is not suited to the profession and is moved to a school for abandoned illegitimate daughters of Venetian courtesans, based on the Pio Ospedale della Pieta in the Italian city, which still exists today as a hotel.
In the school's prime in the early 18th century, boys there were taught a trade, and the girls received a musical education. The most talented female musicians stayed and became members of the Ospedale's renowned orchestra and choir. The film sees Fiennes' character battle with debilitating bouts of asthma, as well as 'the dogma of the Catholic church', according to Damast. He ultimately wins the trust of the orphans and goes on to organise a historic concert for the pope.
...Damast claimed that Vivaldi pioneered the practice of girls playing the cello with the instrument placed between their legs, which was considered risqué at the time.
Tags: music
