What do you guys think of his music? :) I love it! Some people criticise him and say it's all the same (it has the same format, really... theme, solo, tutti theme, solo, modulated tutti theme, solo, tutti theme). :P I especially love The Four Seasons. I can't pick a favorite out of them! I love them all! :D

I'm not that familiar with Vivaldi, but as you said, many people have issues with him regarding development. Early Vivaldi compared to Late Vivaldi = exactly the same, or so I've heard.

He consistently used the ritornello style, making many of his works predictable and similar. He also reworked some of his old material into his new material, in order to meet deadlines or rework good ideas... :) But I still like his music, nonetheless. Not many people are exposed to his music, since he composed mainly for violin.