Antonio Vivaldi's Secret Love
Antonio Vivaldi's Secret Love stemmed from Prince Philip of Hesse-Darmstadt sending an invitation to Vivaldi at Mantua. He gave Vivaldi a prestigious new job as Maestro di Cappella in 1717 or 1718 and the composer accepted. During his years there, he created a lot of operas including Tito Manlio (RV 738) and L'adorazione delli tri re nari al bambino Gesù (RV 734) (RV 645, currently lost).
Vivaldi met the ambitious young soprano Anna Tessieri Gir or Anna Maddalena Tessieri during his time in Mantua. The stage name of Italian mezzo-soprano Anna Maddalena Tessieri (born c. 1710) was Anna Gir, also known as Anna Giraud La Mantovana. She is most recognized for her work with the operatic parts that composer Antonio Vivaldi penned for her. She also became his nanny, beloved prima donna, and apprentice. Anna moved in with Vivaldi and frequently accompanied him on several travels, along with her half-sister Paolina. Although there have been rumors regarding Vivaldi and Gir's romance, there is only evidence to support their friendship and collaborative work.
Whether the two are engaged in a love connection in addition to their friendship is the subject of considerable rumor. In reality, in a letter written to his patron Bentivoglio on November 16, 1737, Vivaldi vehemently denied having a loving involvement with Gir. This is certainly one of the Most Interesting Facts about Antonio Vivaldi that the reader may not be aware of.
