of the city, for it is well known that every kind of ghost walks there!
The most impressive villas lie along the Tiber and in the
northern quarter of the city, pleasantly situated beneath the
spreading shade of ancient trees. Every courtyard and newly
landscaped garden is enhanced with classical statuary excavated
from the ruined city. Against the old city wall and half enveloped in
verdant shadow, Antonio and Paolina find Gasparini’s richly
decorated residence. More a palace than a villa, the building is
superb, and this time Antonio Vivaldi cannot suppress his
admiration. The house of his dreams! Might his own then also
come true? It is a reverie suddenly dissipated by the sound of
Gasparini shouting a greeting as he lumbers down the stairs to
meet them.
‘Welcome, Vivaldi, welcome. Now, who is this you have
brought with you?’ The sight of Paolina makes his eyes widen but
his bow to her is one of the greatest respect. Antonio introduces
her as his friend and travelling companion and she is welcomed
with equal warmth. Gasparini is soon full of talk concerning all
the plans he has for them over the coming few days. There will be
meetings, concerts. But on the agenda for this evening is a trip to
the theatre!
After the performance, Antonio is introduced to the
Marquis Federico Capranica, owner of the eponymous theatre. As
they talk, and whilst Federico scrutinises this priest with his halo
of auburn hair, Gasparini lavishes praise on Vivaldi’s work.
Frederico knows the name well enough and the timing just happens
to be right, for he is looking for new talent. With an increasing
surfeit of ageing composers in his theatre, he is keen to hear what
Vivaldi might have to offer him. Gasparini has already reckoned on
things developing in this direction and invites Capranica to his
house five days later. ‘Your Excellency may then make acquaintance
at your leisure with the virtuoso talents of our Venetian violinist
and composer.’
With an amiable nod of the head the marquis makes plain
his pleasure in accepting this arrangement. What the great man
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