to send them jumping back to their places before the governor
behind him coughed, apparently to draw his attention to the fact
that the unknown guest was now also seated. Turning a couple of
seconds later to confirm that he might begin, Vivaldi had to
suppress a laugh at the sight of the governor diligently waving his
handkerchief. Vivaldi gave him an abrupt nod and signalled to the
musicians. When all were ready he picked up his violin and drew a
deep breath. Fine, thought the priest, we’ll give our guest
something to listen to! He placed his instrument under his chin
and with a gracious sweep his bow settled upon the tense strings.
‘Grandioso! Grandioso!’ was the spontaneous cry as the final notes
died away. The unknown visitor had stood up and was heading
straight for Vivaldi, in his wake the governor. ‘I am told you are the
composer,’ said the stranger in a distinctly foreign accent. His
carnival mask hung daintily from the little finger of his left hand,
planted firmly on his hip.
‘Don Antonio Vivaldi. At your service, your Excellency.’
Vivaldi gave a slight bow and descended from the podium. Now
he was looking straight into the face of a tall man, done up in
a magnificent wig that enhanced his height even further. The
aristocratic figure had an enormous nose and a powerfully
prominent chin. A rather cool expression played about his mouth,
giving an initial impression of severity. But his moist eyes and
slightly flushed cheeks clearly betrayed the soft side of this
foreigner. ‘We have enjoyed your compositions, and the remainder
of the performance,’ he said. ‘Your choir,’ he waved his right hand
in the direction of the cantorie, ‘is extraordinary, quite sublime.’ The
compliment delighted Antonio, who loved nothing more than to
hear how people liked his music. But who was this man? Where did
he come from? It was plain from his dress that he was extremely
wealthy. Perhaps Antonio could interest him in the purchase of
some of his compositions? The priest bowed once more. ‘You are
too kind, your Excellency. Might I on a future occasion dedicate a
concerto in your honour and glory? Or is your stay in La Serenissima to
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