The Four Seasons in Venice - San Vidal Church

Interpreti Veneziani is a renowned chamber orchestra from Venice, specializing in the performance of Baroque music, particularly works by composers such as Vivaldi, Bach, and Handel. Founded in 1987, the ensemble quickly gained an excellent reputation for its first-class and passionate performances. The musicians are highly skilled and stand out for their virtuosity both as soloists and in ensemble playing.
The orchestra places great emphasis on historical performance practices, often using instruments modeled after those from the Baroque period. It regularly performs in prominent concert halls in Italy and around the world and has released numerous CDs. Interpreti Veneziani is known for its lively and energetic interpretations, offering the audience an intense and authentic musical experience.
The orchestra is especially famous for its exceptional concerts at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice, attracting visitors from all over the world.

The Church of San Vidal (Chiesa di San Vidal) is located in the Venetian district of San Marco, near the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge. Originally founded in the 9th century, the current building was mostly rebuilt in the 18th century in the Baroque style.

The church's facade presents a simple yet elegant design with Roman columns and a triangular pediment, typical of Venetian Baroque architecture. Inside, the church impresses with its intricate frescoes and works by notable Venetian artists, including Giambattista Tiepolo, a master of the 18th century known for his vivid use of color and light.

San Vidal is often used for classical concerts due to its excellent acoustics. A particular highlight is its connection to Antonio Vivaldi, whose works are frequently performed here, as he had a close association with the church.

Although the church has undergone several restorations over the years, it remains a significant religious and cultural landmark in Venice. It attracts many visitors who appreciate both its impressive architecture and its artistic heritage.

From Piazzale Roma, Ferrovia, Rialto: Line 1 or 2 in the direction of San Marco
From San Marco: Line 1 or 2 in the direction of Piazzale Roma
Stop: ACCADEMIA

program

ANTONIO VIVALDI
“LE QUATTRO STAGIONI”
Konzerte für Violine, Streicher und Cembalo

“La Primavera” op. 8 n. 1

Violine, Enrico Garba

• allegro “Giunt’è la primavera”
• largo “mormorio di fronde e piante - il capraro che dorme”
• allegro “danza pastorale”
• 
  

• allegro non molto “languidezza per il caldo”: allegro
• adagio “toglie alle membra lasse il suo riposo”
• presto “tempo impetuoso d’estate”

• allegro “ballo e canto de’ villanelli”
• adagio molto “dormienti ubriachi”
• allegro “la caccia”
• 
  

• allegro non molto “aggiacciato tremar tra nevi algenti”
• largo “passar al foco i dì quieti …”
• allegro “camminar sopra il ghiaccio”
• 
  

• adagio e spiccato; allegro
• larghetto
• allegro

Place

This is a deconsecrated but still active church, easy to find because of its proximity to the Accademia bridge and campo Santo Stefano. Founded in 1084 by Doge Vitale Falier who dedicated it to his name saint (Vidal is sometimes spelled Vitale).

This 2nd century saint was a wealthy man from Milan, married to St. Valeria, and their sons, Gervase and Protase, became saints too and have their own church in Venice (San Trovaso). For years, the clergy of San Vidal would lead an annual procession over to Dorsoduro to visit the sons’ church, keeping it all in the family I guess. The most famous church dedicated to this Italian saint is the basilica in Ravenna.

Venice's church of San Vidal was rebuilt in the 17th century, and Canaletto’s painting, The Stonemason’s Yard, shows the reconstruction in progress. The church was closed along with so many others after the fall of the Republic.

There’s a sweet little note in Lorenzetti’s guide book (Venice and Its Lagoon) published in the early 20th century. He notes that San Vidal is closed but says that if you want to visit it, you can ask the nearby flower seller for a key. Simpler times in Venice…

In his 1985 book, Vidal in Venice, Gore Vidal reported that dozens of cats lived in the campo next to this church, supported by local ladies and doing well. At that time, the church was an art gallery.

Well, the cats are gone, alas, and today, the church hosts concerts by Interpreti Veneziani and has recently joined the Chorus Pass organization and is now the headquarters for its cultural activities.

This church is almost always open and is worth stopping in since there are several nice paintings inside, including an Annunciation by Sebastiano Ricci and a Guardian Angel with Saints by Giovanni Battista Piazzetta.

The best is over the main altar, a painting of San Vidal on horseback by Carpaccio (I say, never pass up an opportunity to see a Carpaccio!). Hugh Honour (Companion Guide to Venice) says that he’s sure that Carpaccio used the San Marco horses as models for the horse in this painting. Here's a video of Interpreti Veneziani performing a Vivaldi cello concert in front of the Carpaccio.