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Antonio Vivaldi's "Dixit Dominus," RV 594, is a well-known sacred choral work composed by the Italian Baroque composer. Here are some interesting facts about this composition:

1. Biblical Inspiration:

   • The title "Dixit Dominus" translates to "The Lord Said" in Latin and refers to Psalm 110 (Vulgate 109) from the Bible. Vivaldi's composition is a setting of this psalm.

2. Psalm 110:

   • The text of Psalm 110 is attributed to King David and is known for its messianic prophecies. It has been widely used in Christian liturgy and inspired many musical settings.

3. Vivaldi's Sacred Music:

   • While Vivaldi is often celebrated for his instrumental works, particularly his violin concertos (such as "The Four Seasons"), he also composed a significant amount of sacred music, including choral works like "Dixit Dominus."

4. Choral Masterpiece:

   • "Dixit Dominus" is considered one of Vivaldi's choral masterpieces. It is a brilliant and energetic composition that showcases the composer's flair for dramatic and expressive writing.

5. Composition Date:

   • Vivaldi composed "Dixit Dominus" in the early 1700s, during his time as the music director at the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice. The exact date of composition is not known, but it is generally believed to have been written around 1713-1715.

6. Concerto Grosso Style:

   • Vivaldi's "Dixit Dominus" is written in the concerto grosso style, where a group of solo instruments (concertino) is contrasted with the full orchestra (ripieno). This style was popular in the Baroque era and allowed for a dynamic interplay between smaller and larger instrumental groups.

7. Influence on Later Composers:

   • Vivaldi's sacred music, including "Dixit Dominus," had a significant influence on later composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach admired Vivaldi's works and transcribed several of his concertos for keyboard instruments.

8. Rediscovery in the 20th Century:

   • Like many of Vivaldi's works, "Dixit Dominus" experienced a revival in the 20th century. The interest in Baroque music during this time led to a reassessment of Vivaldi's contributions to the genre, and his sacred works gained renewed attention and appreciation.

"Dixit Dominus" remains a powerful and captivating piece, showcasing Vivaldi's mastery of choral composition and his ability to infuse religious texts with vibrant and expressive musical language.