Vivaldi's introduzioni

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An introduzione is a short motet for a solo voice that is sung before certain choral liturgical settings. Vivaldi’s eight surviving introduzioni (RV 635–642) are written for a single alto or soprano with instrumental accompaniment. The texts are not strictly liturgical, though they sometimes echo liturgical themes. The music generally follows the text, with most pieces built as two arias around a central recitative, while others use slightly different structures.

The eight introduzioni (listed here in RV order) and their basic forms:
- Ascende Laeta (RV 635): two arias surrounding a central recitative; text relates to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary; written for the Pietà and to precede a liturgical setting.
- Canta in Prato, Ride in Fonte (RV 636): two arias around a central recitative; text about the nightingale Philomela; precedes Dixit Dominus (RV 594).
- Cur Sagittas (RV 637): two arias around a central recitative; form similar to the others, with a liturgical context that is lost or uncertain.
- Filiae Maestae Jerusalem (RV 638): two recitatives around a single aria; first of two introduzioni before a Miserere setting (the second is RV 641); the Miserere itself is thought lost.
- Jubilate (RV 639): aria–recitative–aria; the only introduzione before Gloria (RV 588); the final movement is woven into the opening of the Gloria.
- Longe Mala (RV 640): aria–recitative; introduces a motet on a related text to RV 623 from Vivaldi’s Rome visit.
- Non in Pratis (RV 641): two recitatives, an aria, and a final recitative; before the Miserere (the second introduzione before Miserere).
- Ostro Picta (RV 642): aria–recitative–aria; before the Gloria (RV 589); contrasts the world’s transient glory with the Virgin Mary’s lasting glory.

In addition, Ascende Laeta (RV 635) is noted as being written for the Assumption festival, and several introduzioni are connected to other major liturgical works (Dixit Dominus, Miserere, Gloria).