Vivaldi for Diverse Instruments
$11.98 – $16.98
Nicholas McGegan
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra
America’s most exciting original-instrument ensemble makes an auspicious RR debut with the infectious music of Antonio Vivaldi. These six concertos, some of which are otherwise unavailable on CD, showcase the virtuosity of the orchestra’s wind players and violin soloist Elizabeth Blumenstock. The sound of the High Baroque has never has never been more vivid!
On This Recording
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Concerto for Violin, 2 Oboes, 2 Horns, Basson & Cello in F Major, RV 569:
- I. Allegro
- II. Grave
- III.Allegro Concerto for 3 Violins in A Major, RV 552 “Per eco in Iontano”:
- I. Allegro
- II. Larghetto
- III. Allegro Concerto in G Minor, RV 577 “Per l'orchestra di Dresda”:
- I. Allegro
- II. Largo non molto
- III. Allegro Concerto fo Violin, 2 Oboes, 2 Horns & Bassoon in F Major, RV 568:
- I. Allegro assai
- II. Grave
- III. Allegro assai Concerto for 2 Oboes in D Minor, RV 535:
- I. Largo - II. Allegro
- III. Largo
- IV. Allegro molto Concerto for Violin, 2 Oboees & 2 Horns in D Major, RV 562a:
- I. Andante - Allegro
- II. Grave
- III. Allegro
Reviews:
“A many splendored recording.” —The New York Times
“The Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra have been creeping quietly into the upper echelon of period instrument orchestras. With this record, they have jumped the queue! The recording? In a word, stunning!” —Anthony Kershaw, Audiophilia
“The slow movements are magnificent throughout, informed with heartbreaking intimacy and a true spirit of improvisation, and the wonderful solo playing will thrill both Vivaldi aficionados and the best sound systems.” —Laurence Vittes, CI Classical Review
“Here is Vivaldi-playing with a commendably light, athletic touch…these performances inspire the music with expressive delicacy and rhythmic vitality… The programme is a colourful one of concertos for a variety of instruments, wind and strings, in various combinations. The two most often encountered pieces are the Concerto in A major per eco in lontano (RV552)…and the Concerto in G minor per l’orchestra di Dresda (RV577). Much less frequently heard are three concertos featuring solo violin, two horns and two oboes, with one or two bassoons or, in the case of the Dresden copy of RV562, two organs. The Concerto in D minor for two oboes and strings (RV535) completes the picture… this music is engaging on many different levels. Slow movements such as the wonderfully free violin fantasy of RV562 reveal the exhilarating flights of fancy of which Vivaldi was capable, while the profusion of alluring inflexions present in fast and slow movements alike, makes strong appeal to the senses… this kind of approach to Vivaldi’s music greatly enlivens and refreshes its innate character…The disc is superbly recorded, allowing us to revel in every sonorous detail of solo and continuo playing alike. Strongly recommended.” —Nicholas Anderson, GRAMOPHONE
