Vivaldi: La Stravaganza

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
These performances of Vivaldi's La Stravaganza--a collection of 12 violin concertos--are truly extravagant. They're not designed to be listened to in one sitting and shouldn't be: it's not the sameness of the orchestration which might get in the way, it's the intensity with which Vivaldi composed them and the manner in which the remarkable Rachel Podger plays them. Fans of Andrew Manze will love Podger for similar reasons. Both are virtuosi, both have a spectacular innate rhythm which allows them to riff while never falling out of the structure of the particular moment they're embellishing. And as similar as the formula of these concertos tends to be, there are magnificent surprises: Listen to the weird opening movement of the D minor concerto--its odd opening lines sound nothing like Vivaldi. The players backing her up are a Polish original instrument group called Arte dei Suonatori, and apparently working without a conductor, they're terrific. The sound is amazingly big and rich. Oh yes--the set's a bargain, too. This is very exciting music-making and highly recommended. --Robert Levine

Tracks:

The Four Seasons: Con No.1 in E, RV 269 'Spring': I. Allegro - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.1 in E, RV 269 'Spring': II. Largo - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.1 in E, RV 269 'Spring': III. Allegro - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.2 in g, RV 315 'Summer': I. Allegro Non Molto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.2 in g, RV 315 'Summer': II. Adagio - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.2 in g, RV 315 'Summer': III. Presto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.3 in F, RV 293 'Autumn': I. Allegro - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.3 in F, RV 293 'Autumn': II. Adagio Molto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.3 in F, RV 293 'Autumn': III. Allegro - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.4 in f, RV 297 'Winter': I. Allegro Non Molto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.4 in f, RV 297 'Winter': II. Largo - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.4 in f, RV 297 'Winter': III. Allegro - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Vn Con in c, RV 199 'Il Sospetto': I. Allegro - Itzhak Perlman
Vn Con in c, RV 199 'Il Sospetto': II. Andante - Itzhak Perlman
Vn Con in c, RV 199 'Il Sospetto': III. Allegro - Itzhak Perlman
Vn Con in a, RV 356: I. Allegro - Itzhak Perlman
Vn Con in a, RV 356: II. Largo - Itzhak Perlman
Vn Con in a, RV 356: III. Presto - Itzhak Perlman
Vn Con in A, RV 347: I. Allegro - Itzhak Perlman
Vn Con in A, RV 347: II. Largo - Itzhak Perlman
Vn Con in A, RV 347: III. Allegro - Itzhak Perlman

Customer Reviews:

Sublime!.......2007-07-19

So lovely I think we'll need to get a second copy because we might just wear out the one we have! The concertos are an especially nice added treat!

plays every day!.......2007-06-14

This tape is played every day in our house at nap time - it is beautiful and wonderful.

Fun.......2007-05-26

I'm not really much in the way of a music expert, but I really enjoyed this cd.

Wonderful recording!.......2007-05-20

I purchased this recording for my grandson, who is studying the Vivaldi Violin Concerto in A minor. This is a fortunate time for instrumental music students, as, through the medium of digital sound, they can purchase a CD and hear the music, as played by world-class players.

The CD technology eliminates the old game of "drop the needle!" Wonderful!

I recently purchased a boxed set of the recorded work of classical clarinetist Reginald Kell. It was wonderful to hear that music again! I lost my LPs in a fire, and never thought I could find them again!

I just love CDs! And thank you, Amazon, for giving us a pipeline to such wonderful music!

If all music were so beautiful.......2007-01-12

Four seasons is one of my favorite pieces. With Itzhak Perlman at the helm, this rendition is flawless as one would rightfully expect.

Vivaldi: 4 Violin Concertos; Itzhak Perlman

Average customer rating:

Not the best value compared to other Perlman CD
The opera invested in the concerto
Romantic Baroque
Lovely--if you like Vivaldi, you'll love this one

Vivaldi: 4 Violin Concertos; Itzhak Perlman
Itzhak Perlman , Antonio Vivaldi , and Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002RN1
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Concerto RV 199 'Il sospetto' C Minor: I: Allegro
Concerto RV 199 'Il sospetto' C Minor: II: Andante
Concerto RV 199 'Il sospetto' C Minor: III: Allegro
Concerto RV 317, G Minor, Op. 12, No. 1: I: Allegro
Concerto RV 317, G Minor, Op. 12, No. 1: II: Largo
Concerto RV 317, G Minor, Op. 12, No. 1: III: Allegro
Concerto In A Minor, RV 356, Op. 3, No. 6: I: Allegro
Concerto In A Minor, RV. 356, Op. 3, No. 6: II: Largo
Concerto In A Minor, RV. 356, Op. 3, No. 6: III: Presto
Concerto In A Major. RV. 347, Op.4, No.5: I: Allegro
Concerto In A Major. RV. 347, Op.4, No.5: II: Largo
Concerto In A Major. RV. 347, Op.4, No.5: III: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Not the best value compared to other Perlman CD.......2004-06-10

I bought this CD only to find there are 4 concertos, RV 199, RV 356, RV 317, and RV 347, and 3 out of the 4 are already on a CD that I have by Perlman "Vivaldi: The Four Seasons; Violin Concertos [includes 199, 356 and 347]". I would recommend the Four Seasons CD instead which is less than half the price of the one I'm reviewing. That is, unless you really like the G minor RV 317.

But then, Perlman's playing is beautiful, romantic and inspiring.

The opera invested in the concerto.......2003-08-09

In this concerto that creates a tremendous dramatic power due to the constant dialogue or other forms of « discussion », « discourse », « competition » or « contrast » among the four violins, we feel a deeper emotional strength. One violin is really a « weeper » or an egotistic hedonist and the others hesitate between or just vary from consoling or comforting him and chasing or running after him. This composition reminds us of the opera in which a castrato was leading the game, escaping in very rich and intense solos, chased, imitated or recaptured by the other singers and the choir every so often. In other words Vivaldi transposes the composition technique of the opera with castrati to this concerto for four violins. So it becomes at times very erratic, multiple, unpredictable and multivaried in coloration and composition. Some may even think Vivaldi has introduced Napolitan musical forms into the Venitian tradition.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, ...

Romantic Baroque.......2003-04-02

Vivaldi wrote hundreds of concertos, many of them had an influence on Bach. The most popular and well known of his works are of course the four seasons but if you have heard them too much and want more Vivaldi, this is a great CD to get, great not good.

It is arguable that Itzhak Perlman is the greatest living violinist, certainly one of the best I have ever heard. His technique is fantastic and he plays with incredible feel and a lush romantic vibrato. His tone is fantastic and every note is expressive and emotional and full of meaning and color.

Some think baroque music should be played with little or no vibrato, that in the day vibrato was to be used as an ornament or as an effect. I personally love the way Perlman uses vibrato and his interpretations here are so expressive. I have many Perlman CDs and some are better than others, this is one of the best I have heard.

This is easily one of my favorite CDs, I couldn't ask for a better Vivaldi CD than this. I give this CD five stars without hesitation: great music played and recorded incredibly well, isn't that what you want?

Lovely--if you like Vivaldi, you'll love this one.......1998-12-06

One of my favorites. If you're ready to get away from "The Four Seasons" and want one other Vivaldi album, this is it. Pearlman's interpretation, as usual, is lush, sensitive. I give this cd as a gift to classical music lovers more than any other.

Average customer rating:

Nectar of the Gods
So Soothing
An excellent addition to your collection

Vivaldi for Relaxation

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000059SV2
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

Concerto in D, RV 93: Largo
Concerto in G, Op. 10 No. 4: Largo
Concerto in F, RV 544: Largo
Trio in C, RV 82: Larghetto
Concerto in G minor, Op. 10 No. 2: Largo
Concerto in A minor, RV 357: Largo e sempre piano
Concerto in G, RV 413: Largo
Concerto in D minor, RV 535: Largo
Concerto in G, RV 436: Largo
Concerto in C minor, RV 197: Adagio
Concerto in D minor, RV 540: Largo
Concerto in A minor, RV 419: Andante
Concerto in A minor, F.I. No. 61: Largo
Concerto in G, RV 532: Andante
Concerto in D, RV 403: Andante e spiritoso
Concerto in D, RV 429: Andante
Concerto in E flat, RV 408: Largo
The Four Seasons, Op. 8: Winter: Largo

Customer Reviews:

Nectar of the Gods.......2007-05-12

Bought this for my husband who enjoys this type of music for relaxation- He loves it

So Soothing.......2006-12-28

This CD is so soothing that I have yet to hear the entire CD! I turn this CD on before I go to bed at night and am relaxed and sleeping before more than three songs have played. I'm not a musician so I cannot write about melodies or tempos or even the accuracy of the interpretation... I understand none of those, but I do know that I love playing this CD every night as I drift off to sleep.

An excellent addition to your collection.......2001-08-27

I own quite a few of the ".. for relaxtion" CD's, and this is one of my favorites. Mellow strands of Vivaldi are the perfect reading companion, great study music, and provide an excellent conversation background. This soothing compostion of Vivaldi's works is an excellent addition to any collection, as well as a great place to begin one.

Average customer rating:

This is a fantastic deal!
Excellent, Broad Selection
$70....when was this???
$70/40... you do the math.

Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00062FLHY
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

This is a fantastic deal!.......2007-02-25

If you are a fan at all of the Four Seasons you should love this music. I will admit right now that I am a classical music fan. I don't write or perform it. I am a novice listener. I have never taken any music lessons(though I am leaning in that direction) and certainly have not gone through any university music training. I started out in rock and roll but found classical as I got older and fell in love with it a few years ago.

With that context in mind I do hope I am able to recognize quality and this work is of the highest. It helps when you are starting with good ingredients in the first place. You can't bake great bread without great ingredients and Vivaldi's music library has some of the greatest musical ingredients of the last 300 years. They are very much the foundation for modern western culture and music. His talent is woven through what we are

The first 26 CDs are instrumental starting with the four seasons and working through many of the Master's many popular works. I will admit the four seasons are not the best interpretation I have heard but it is definitely acceptable. The rest of the music shows us many facets of the Baroque style and you can see themes emerging through some of the pieces that give us a 'fingerprint' of Vivaldi's style and the parameters of the stylistic leanings of the genre at the time. If you want to immerse yourself in 18th century music this is your chance

This music would be ideal for someone who owns a store and is looking for background music. With over 26 CDs of instrumental music alone you could have those constantly looping and you'd probably never get bored of them(OK I may be stretching it a little there). The reason is that the music does not leave a bad 'aftertaste' in your mind. It fits into the background as easily and naturally as it is to listen to it consciously in the foreground. If you are a fan of classical Baroque you don't usually need to be in the mood for this, it will adjust your mood to itself and Vivaldi's music is almost always of an uplifting sort if this collection is any indication. If you want something to listen to at your job 8 hours per day this is good for the mind and it would take you over a week to get through it if you listened to it every minute of every work day. You will also work without the worry of the music distracting your concentration. I find it enhances it when I'm working. I don't know how well this would work on school kids but teachers might want to try playing this during school time. You may create a few geniuses, we certainly could use more!

If you are looking for something to ease your sleep and oil your dreams I have put these CD's on in the background. Not only can I easily fall asleep when they are playing quietly in the background but it helps you sleep and you wake up in a very pleasant atmosphere if the music is still playing quietly when you wake(you probably would need to rip them to your MP3 player to do that). It's like napping at a classical music concert without the worry of being nudged by your spouse or offending the other concert goers with your snoring. That will be quite a unique experience for you and possibly give you some real sweet dreams. It has for me

So to wrap it up this is very intelligent, uplifting music that is great for your mind and your soul. It is definitely worth the purchase if you are a fan of the Four Seasons and the Baroque genre in my novice classical music fan's opinion

Excellent, Broad Selection.......2007-01-25

This 40-cd collection affords me a rare pleasure almost daily: the thrill of hearing something new by Vivaldi. Despite my best efforts over the years, I've managed to miss hearing a lot of great works by the master. Listening to a single CD now and then, catching tunes on the radio... you can't possibly get a comprehensive understanding of Vivaldi's output that way.

But when you work your way systematically from CD 1 through 40, you're sure to find many pleasant surprises. I've been skipping through everything I already know -- in some cases, it has only taken me about a minute to get through a whole CD (first 3 seconds of each track is usually enough). But then I stop and listen carefully three or four times to anything that's new.

Ah, what a pleasure. I've already acquired some new favorites. And some old standbys have proved even more rewarding, e.g. at first I thought RV 127 (CD 7, tracks 10-12) was performed too slowly (Naxos No: 8.553742 is much faster), but now I'm not sure; maybe it's BETTER that way! I can't recommend this set highly enough.

$70....when was this???.......2006-11-25

Wish the cost was $70 now. Guess the record producer (or Amazon) got tired of making less than $2 per CD.

$70/40... you do the math........2006-04-07

No, I don't own this collection...yet. However, the price of the collection compels me to review it beforehand. Never have I seen such a complete collection of Vivaldi compositions at such an incredibly low price. At $1.75 dollars a CD, the record producer (Brilliant Classics) isn't making much of a profit. The compilation pulls some of its works from DG Achiv Produktion's vault (see Standage), such as the violin concertos, as well as from unknown producers (the Poland Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra is heavily featured). The collection is so complete that it is academic, and I would not be surprised if music libraries quickly emptied it from Amazon's shelves. The collection is simply worth it for the incredible price (English Concert's recording of the violin concertos cost nearly 30 bucks, and is exactly featured here). Overall, the price alone makes this collection exceptionally attractive, and the ensembles featured aren't bad either.

Average customer rating:

Stravaganza: Violin Concerti Op 4 1-12

Manufacturer: Channel Classics Nl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00008LKDY
Release Date: 2003-07-08

Average customer rating:

Stunning Vivaldi
Cortoddzo!!
performance & recording quality is outstanding
What is all the hype about?
Good, but not as great as some claim

Vivaldi: La Stravaganza

Manufacturer: Channel Classics Nl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Vivaldi

ASIN: B00008IUW2
Release Date: 2003-05-13

Tracks:

Allegro
Largo E Cantabile
Allegro
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Allegro
Largo
Allegro Assai
Allegro
Grave E Sempre Piano
Allegro
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Allegro
Largo
Allegro

Tracks:

Largo
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Allegro
Adagio-Presto-Adagio
Allegro
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Spirituoso
Adagio
Allegro
Allegro
Largo
Allegro Assai
Spirituoso E Non Presto
Largo
Allegro

Amazon.com

These performances of Vivaldi's La Stravaganza--a collection of 12 violin concertos--are truly extravagant. They're not designed to be listened to in one sitting and shouldn't be: it's not the sameness of the orchestration which might get in the way, it's the intensity with which Vivaldi composed them and the manner in which the remarkable Rachel Podger plays them. Fans of Andrew Manze will love Podger for similar reasons. Both are virtuosi, both have a spectacular innate rhythm which allows them to riff while never falling out of the structure of the particular moment they're embellishing. And as similar as the formula of these concertos tends to be, there are magnificent surprises: Listen to the weird opening movement of the D minor concerto--its odd opening lines sound nothing like Vivaldi. The players backing her up are a Polish original instrument group called Arte dei Suonatori, and apparently working without a conductor, they're terrific. The sound is amazingly big and rich. Oh yes--the set's a bargain, too. This is very exciting music-making and highly recommended. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Stunning Vivaldi.......2007-03-07

I endorse Andres Sender's review of this superb recording, so I only feel a need to add a few thoughts.
Vivaldi's Opus 4, "La Straviganza" was published very soon after his historic Opus 3, "L'estro Armonico". There is no need to worry about translating its title, the Italian "La Straviganza" is perfect. Although there are almost too many recordings of Vivaldi's other works Opus 4 has been strangely ignored, there was a 1975 version by the Academy of St Martins in the Field, which was highly praised at the time, one by Huggett with the Academy of Ancient Music in 1987 which I missed, it was easy to do before we had the internet, and a poor one from Naxos. So I grabbed this one on release without even hearing it, and what a wonderful surprise it was. It is a superb recording, Rachel Podger's performance is energetic and intensely expressive and Arte Dei Suonatori provide excellent support, the use of two plucked instruments give the sound a nice lushness. I could go on and on with a list of superlatives, but I will just say that this is a cracking performance, anyone with an interest in baroque should see this two CD set as an essential. Five stars.
A few comments on Andres review; I, too regard the fabulous Fabio Biondi with Europa Galante as the best interpreter of Vivaldi we have, while this recording is different in style it is very, very good. I also have reservations about Andrew Manze as a soloist, but he has made some very good recordings leading his ensemble from first violin.

Cortoddzo!!.......2006-01-22

I consider myself a first year violinist. I wouldn't even be able to sit in the same room with this person, I'm that bad. Can you even fathom the fingering skills? OMG. She plays the violin like a medical transcriptionist, burning up the strings. Antonio Vivaldi is played with tremendous fervor and magnificent intenation! It's not opera, or 'a couple little violin solos'. It's not pushing agendas, politics, cultures, etc. This is 'meaty violin'. No problems. Dig in!

This is a (2) CD collection. The second CD is slower, but it's like staring at someone that speaks Australian for hours...I still can't get the nostalgia out of my mind. I'm stuck.

Warning for the non-student: Rachel Podger is so amazing, hour after hour, you'll take her for granted if you just don't get it. (Recall Bible verse - pearls to swine.) If you have any concept of the time and effort it takes to do this, you'll be in awe. If you don't have any respect for the instrument, just don't go there. Try the more contemporary Danney Alkana, "Rock the Bach".

Me - I want to know if she's still single. Whoohoo!

performance & recording quality is outstanding.......2005-05-21

I'm just your average classical music fan, I'm no expert, but I am always blown away when I listen to this CD. Without hesitation I rank it as the best classical CD I own. It seems that both the performance and the recording quality are way above average. Very lively and exciting. The violins are present and sweet without ever screeching or sounding harsh. The bass tones of cellos and organ are super-rich. When the whole ensemble hits chords that harmonize, it fills the room with a lush rich sound. Words fail, but its almost like I'm inside each of the instruments. Sorry to gush so much about this recording, but it really stands out among the 100 or more classical CDs in my collection.

What is all the hype about?.......2004-12-25

What is all the hype about? I found both the performance and the sonics of this recording to be rather run of the mill.

Good, but not as great as some claim.......2004-08-11

This is by no means a bad performance. There is much to recommend it. Podger's playing of Vivaldi is very nice, and the orchestra does what they do very well.
The SACD sound is also very good. The multi-channel is good, but it isn't the incredible experience some have claimed. It really doesn't conjour up the church it was recorded in at all.

And as for the performance, while proficient it never really engages the listener in a profound way. It just goes by.. it does not pull you in and have you hanging on every note and expression.

In a way, this is a throw back to the OLD way of playing Vivaldi - rather dull and stuffy... no place for that now considering developments in baroque performance of the last decade or two.

In conclusion, good but not truly great.

Average customer rating:

Super Artists on Super Audio

Manufacturer: Channel Classics Nl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00008PZW9
Release Date: 2003-05-13

Average customer rating:

Stravinsky was wrong

Vivaldi: La Stravaganza

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000427G
Release Date: 1995-11-14

Tracks:

La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No. 1 In B Flat Major, RV 383a - I Allegro
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No. 1 In B Flat Major, RV 383a - II Largo
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No. 1 In B Flat Major, RV 383a - III Allegro
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No. 2 In E Minor, RV 279 - I Allegro
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No. 2 In E Minor, RV 279 - II Largo
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No. 2 In E Minor, RV 279 - III Allegro
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No. 3 In G Major, RV 301 - I Allegro
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No. 3 In G Major, RV 301 - II Largo
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No. 3 In G Major, RV 301 - III Allegro assai
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No. 4 In A Minor, RV 357 - I Allegro
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No. 4 In A Minor, RV 357 - II Grave
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No. 4 In A Minor, RV 357 - III Allegro
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No. 5 In A Major, RV 347 - I Allegro
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No. 5 In A Major, RV 347 -II Allegro
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No. 5 In A Major, RV 347 - III Allegro
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No. 6 In G Minor, RV 316a - I Allegro
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No. 6 In G Minor, RV 316a - II Largo
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No. 6 In G Minor, RV 316a - III Allegro

Tracks:

La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No.7 In C Major, RV 185 - I Largo
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No.7 In C Major, RV 185 - II Allegro
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No.7 In C Major, RV 185 - III Largo
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No.7 In C Major, RV 185 - IV Allegro
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No.8 In D Minor, RV 249 - I Allegro-Adagio-Presto-Adagio
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No.8 In D Minor, RV 249 - II Allegro
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No.9 In F Major, RV 284 - I Allegro
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No.9 In F Major, RV 284 - II Largo
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No.9 In F Major, RV 284 - III Allegro
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No.10 In C Minor, RV 196 - I Spiritoso
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No.10 In C Minor, RV 196 - II Adagio
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No.10 In C Minor, RV 196 - III Allegro
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No.11 In D Major, RV 204 - I Allegro
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No.11 In D Major, RV 204 - II Largo
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No.11 In D Major, RV 204 - III Allegro assai
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No.12 In G Major, RV 298 - I Spiritoso e non presto
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No.12 In G Major, RV 298 - II Largo
La Stravaganza, Op.4: Concerto No.12 In G Major, RV 298 - III Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Stravinsky was wrong.......2003-03-07

For those listeners who are only familiar with the most popular facet of Vivaldi's output, the ubiquitous Four Seasons, the prospect of wading through this earlier set of twelve violin concertos may not initially sound all that enticing. Unlike their much more familiar cousins (which in fact are a part of another set of concerti, Il cimento dell'Armonia e dell'Invenzione op.8), La Stravaganza does not come equipped with easy-to-grasp programmatic clues as to what the music is `about' - no musical depictions of cuckoos, peasant's dances, midday heatwaves, buzzing flies or walking over iced rivers here. Instead, what you get is two cd's worth of more or less `abstract' Italian baroque concerti, with a typically Vivaldian accent. Does that imply an unimaginative déjà-vu journey over a terrain devoid of real interest, then, with nothing much more to tell these twelve concertos apart from each other than their somewhat dryish RV catalogue numbers? After all, a very accomplished composer also once exclaimed that Vivaldi was but a dull fellow who just composed the same concerto over and over again.

The answer, of course, is a resounding no. To a certain extent, the aforementioned opinion of Stravinsky may well be justified - however, following this logic, it would be as correct (and as blatantly wrong) to claim that all Camille Pissarro actually could paint was a single dot. Errare humanum est, even if you should happen to be a Stravinsky. Accusing Vivaldi of dullness just because he happened to compose in a certain personal (admitted, occasionally strictly defined) style sounds every bit as silly as condemning Pissarro's canvases, in a word, pointless.

Be as it may, and to the joy of all baroque music lovers, La Stravaganza is literally bursting with gloriously swirling melodies, dazzling solos, melting cantilenas and powerful ritornellos. All this topped with a spotless and inspired delivery from the ASMF and the soloists (Carmel Kaine and Alan Loveday) makes this mid-price Decca set an irresistible bargain. More so, in fact, than the Penguin Rosette-awarded ASMF version of La Cetra under Iona Brown - a decent record in its own right, but one which somehow seems to miss the all-important last ounce of soaring abandon. However, this performance of La Stravaganza not only manages to negotiate the tricky runway leading towards Vivaldian heights of elegance and beauty; it also takes flight, and the following dazzling sense of weightlessness elevates the listener to quite another level.

The recording comes from 1975, and while it is not absolutely hiss-free, the analogue-to-digital remaster is very successful, bringing out the glowingly warm string tone in both solo and tutti sections. The continuo (alternating between cembalo and organ, with theorbi included) is not so forwardly situated as in more recent and "authentic" versions, and, in keeping with the ASMF tradition of that era, the overall sound is rather controlled, streamlined and smooth - however, this is not a blemish when the playing is of such high voltage. The occasionally irritating dimension of over-polished surfaces and routine that was later to creep into some ASMF recordings (e.g. the later digital set of the Bach Brandenburg Concertos) is gloriously absent here, as there is a very real sense of `competition' between the solo players and the tutti sections - almost as if both were mischievously trying to outplay each other. With musicians of this calibre, the results can be only successful.

As far as non-historical recordings are concerned, Marriner and his team in their heyday achieved heights that still remain out of reach for most ensembles trying their hand in this repertoire. Should you want to add a specimen of vintage ASMF Vivaldi in your collection, well, this is a perfect choice.

Antonio Vivaldi: Concerti Op. 8
Average customer rating:

classic performances

Pina Carmirelli's Is The Best By I Musici If Not The Best Period

I-Musici + Vivaldi; wow!

Buena interpretación de I Musici

okay Four Seasons, the other concerti are not as good...

Antonio Vivaldi: Concerti Op. 8

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000416D
Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

Concerto No.1 In E, RV269 (Spring): I - Allegro
Concerto No.1 In E, RV269 (Spring): II - Largo
Concerto No.1 In E, RV269 (Spring): III - Allegro (Danza pastorale)
Concerto No.2 In G Minor, RV315 (Summer): I - Allegro non molto - Allegro
Concerto No.2 In G Minor, RV315 (Summer): II - Adagio - Presto - Adagio
Concerto No.2 In G Minor, RV315 (Summer): III - Presto (Tempo impetuoso d'estate)
Concerto No.3 In F, RV293 (Autumn): I - Allegro (Ballo, e canto de' villanelli)
Concerto No.3 In F, RV293 (Autumn): II - Adagio molto (Ubriachi dormienti)
Concerto No.3 In F, RV293 (Autumn): III - Allegro (La caccia)
Concerto No.4 In F Minor, RV297 (Winter): I - Allegro non molto
Concerto No.4 In F Minor, RV297 (Winter): II - Largo
Concerto No.4 In F Minor, RV297 (Winter): III - Allegro
Concerto No.5 In E Flat, RV253 (The Sea Storm): I - Allegro
Concerto No.5 In E Flat, RV253 (The Sea Storm): II - Largo
Concerto No.5 In E Flat, RV253 (The Sea Storm): III - Allegro
Concerto No.6 In C, RV180 (Pleasure): I - Allegro
Concerto No.6 In C, RV180 (Pleasure): II - Largo
Concerto No.6 In C, RV180 (Pleasure): III - Allegro

Tracks:

Concerto No. 7 in D Minor, RV 242: I - Allegro
Concerto No. 7 in D Minor, RV 242: II - Largo
Concerto No. 7 in D Minor, RV 242: III - Allegro
Concerto No. 8 in G Minor, RV 332: I - Allegro
Concerto No. 8 in G Minor, RV 332: II - Largo
Concerto No. 8 in G Minor, RV 332: III - Allegro
Concerto No. 9 in D Minor, RV 236: I - Allegro
Concerto No. 9 in D Minor, RV 236: II - Largo
Concerto No. 9 in D Minor, RV 236: III - Allegro
Concerto No. 10 In B Flat, RV 362 'La caccia': I - Allegro
Concerto No. 10 In B Flat, RV 362 'La caccia': II - Adagio
Concerto No. 10 In B Flat, RV 362 'La caccia': III - Allegro
Concerto No. 11 in D, RV 210: I - Allegro
Concerto No. 11 in D, RV 210: II - Largo
Concerto No. 11 in D, RV 210: III - Allegro
Concerto No. 12 in C, RV 178: I - Allegro
Concerto No. 12 in C, RV 178: II - Largo
Concerto No. 12 in C, RV 178: III - Allegro

Amazon.com

Vivaldi's The Four Seasons is actually part of a larger group of works, the Twelve Violin Concertos, op. 8. This set, in turn, has an additional subtitle: "The Contest Between Invention and Harmony"; not that anyone is quite sure what this means. Aside from The Four Seasons there are several other works with subtitles, including "Storm at Sea," "The Hunt" and "Rapture." It's only natural that when you've composed some 600 concertos for various instruments, the ones with the catchy names will become the most popular. But the others are no less fine, and if your interest in Vivaldi goes beyond the "Big Four," then you might want to check out this excellent set. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

classic performances.......2007-07-10

"The Four Seasons" naturally tend to overshadow the other eight concertos of Vivaldi's op. 8, of which Spring, Summer, Autumn, & Winter are merely a part. That these four concertos form a suite of their own adds to the relative neglect of the other concertos; but, the other eight concertos are full of great music, even if they aren't as brilliantly conceived as their famous relatives. But what other music did Vivaldi write that can live up to the reputation of "The Four Seasons"?

For several decades beginning in the 1950's I Musici was the leading ensemble specializing in Italian Baroque music, & these performances were standard-setting in their time. They still hold up exceptionally well even though approaches to early music, driven by the period instrument revolution, have changed somewhat since then.

Perhaps the simplest way to define the differences between I Musici & more contemporary ensembles is that I Musici's approach, while spirited & completely authentic, is also refined & elegant without being extravagent, whereas more modern groups often sound scaled down & a little more earthy. Both definitely have their merits, although I find myself attracted more to I Musici's grandeur & sweep.

The stereo sound here is acceptable. The first four concerti ("The Four Seasons") date from 1959 & appear to have been recorded in a bigger hall than the other eight, which were recorded in 1961.

If you are looking for a classic set of op. 8, then I Musici is the way to go. If you looking only for "The Four Seasons," expand your horizons & buy this set.

Pina Carmirelli's Is The Best By I Musici If Not The Best Period.......2005-10-20

Although I Musici is certainly one of the best chamber groups in the world for Baroque music if not the best as claimed by Toscanini, there is also a standard of excellence for the violin soloists in I Musici itself over the past 50 years and Felix Ayo is simply not a top contender. Ayo is decent for the concerti but the crucial 'Four Seasons' is very average by the standards of I Musici itself. Although I find Ayo's interpretation better than Michelucci's with I Musici, this performance of 'The Four Seasons' itself is not I Musici's best for this piece by a long shot. I have not heard one rendition anywhere whether chamber or symphonic that even compares to the absolutely brilliant 1982 performance by I Musici and Pina Carmirelli. It is truly the clearest and most passionate performance available to date. Carmirelli's proficiency for this piece completely surpasses Ayo's rather safe and monotone interpretation. Michelucci's is even worse. With a steady but constant pace, Carmirelli swings the bow and soars the scales with impeccable clarity and proficiency: there is simply not one hesitation or moment of faltering in transitions. It is simply a breathtakingly divine performance that surpasses Ayo's rather cautious performance.

For those who are debating other options, don't be deceived into buying other performances even if they have skilled violinists such as Perlman or Zuckerman. The latter are specialized in the German Romantic and Klezmer traditions of violin and so tend to perform better with Northern European composers from the Romantic period such as Brahms or Wienawski but not with Italian ones generally and Italian Baroque violin pieces least of all! As for performances by great conductors and symphonies such as Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic or Solti and the Chicago/London Symphonies, the orchestral ensembles they use are generally too large for chamber pieces and most of the instruments used are modern. They are also recorded in too large of spaces so the performances sound like Beethoven's 9th instead of a chamber lyrical piece. There are other groups and recordings that are more faithful to Baroque techniques and traditional interpretations but their performances tend to suffer in their lyrical aspects and recording quality. The artists in such chamber groups generally come from academic backgrounds in traditional techniques and instruments instead of professional circles and so are more focused on applying the techniques instead of evoking from them the lyrical mood required by the piece. This results in clumsy and lifeless performances where each musician is so painfully struggling to apply the correct technique to their individual instrument that the entire piece comes out sounding as a cacophony instead of a symphony. Vivaldi was an innovative and demanding composer and this piece is one of the most difficult pieces to perform in the repertoire of music for the solo violin. I Musici have been world acclaimed leaders in performing Italian Baroque for over 50 years and have performed with many of the best musicians in this field. They emphasize more on a passionate Italian Romantic interpretation in its performances instead of a rigid Baroque one but reach a good balance with tradition by performing in the Italian style almost exclusively on Stradivarius instruments and within the size of a small Baroque chamber orchestra. The Stradivarius is the gem of traditional string instruments and really an instrument in and of itself that no other period instrument can even compare to. There are also really no chamber groups in existence that perform on so many Stradivari at once as they are simply too rare and even many professionals simply lack sufficient talent to play one proficiently.

Ayo's performance is not the worst in terms of I Musici but it is definitely not the best the group ever performed. He actually does quite well in the remaining concerti. It is simply not a good performance of 'The Four Seasons' which is the most technically demanding and where Ayo starts to slip. It is still better than most of those by your typical chamber groups out there however. The best for I Musici if not across the board is its 1982 performance with Pina Carmirelli. Carmirelli's performance is extremely hard to find these days and sometimes ridiculously expensive so a close match by a comparable Italian chamber group is Salvatore Acardo's Stradivarius performance with I Solisti delle Settimane Musicali di Napoli which is available in abundance here on Amazon. Accardo himself had already played several times with I Musici before making his legendary performance with Il Solisti and had cultivated his talent to mastery. That peformance is the only close contender I can think of that comes even close to Carmirelli's passionate and legendary performance. Unless you are interested purely in symphonic interpretations, I would stick to either Carmirelli's performance or Accardo's as an alternative because the quality of their performances is exponentially superior to everyone elses' without question.

I-Musici + Vivaldi; wow!.......2000-07-17

Los doce conciertos Op.8 de Vivaldi son sin duda alguna una de las obras de "música clásica" más conocidas y más desconocidas al mismo tiempo. Son las más conocidas porque los primeros 4 conciertos son las célebres "cuatro estaciones", obra de referencia obligada incluso para quienes no gustan de este tipo de música; pero son desconocidas porque los 8 conciertos restantes han pasado desapercibidos para la enorme mayoría del público, a pesar de su gran belleza. I Musici durante mucho tiempo fue considerada una de las mejores orquestas de cámara del mundo, y si a ello añadimos que también era considerada como una de las mejores intérpretes de la obra de Vivaldi, entonces tenemos que en este disco combinamos lo mejor de ambas opiniones, para obtener una colección excepcional. Quizá la única crítica que se les podría hacer es que no utilizan "instrumentos originales" como se ha puesto de moda últimamente, pero su interpretación es tan brillante que fácilmente se les perdona eso y más. Quizá la calidad de grabación deje algo que desear (estas grabaciones fueron hechas alrededor de 1960, cuando la tecnología de almacenamiento de audio aún no estaba tan perfeccionada), pero por su precio y por la calidad de la interpretación bien vale la pena probar estos dos discos.

Buena interpretación de I Musici.......2000-06-16

I Musici durante mucho tiempo fue considerada una de las mejores orquestas de cámara del mundo, y si a ello añadimos que también era considerada como una de las mejores intérpretes de la obra de Vivaldi, entonces tenemos que en este disco combinamos lo mejor de ambas opiniones, para obtener una colección excepcional. Quizá la única crítica que se les podría hacer es que no utilizan "instrumentos originales" como se ha puesto de moda últimamente, pero su interpretación es tan brillante que fácilmente se les perdona eso y más. Quizá la calidad de grabación deje algo que desear (estas grabaciones fueron hechas alrededor de 1960, cuando la tecnología de almacenamiento de audio aún no estaba tan perfeccionada), pero por su precio y por la calidad de la interpretación bien vale la pena probar estos dos discos.

okay Four Seasons, the other concerti are not as good..........2000-06-01

An overall great recording, but the Four Seasons here could be a little more energetic, but that is a matter of taste. This recording sounds just a little too slow. The other concertos are not nearly as satisfying as the big four, but the ones in minor keys are pretty good. I usually listen to the Four Seasons on other recordings and come to these CD's for No.6, No.7, No.8, and No. 10, the rest not being as interesting in my humble opinion. Of course, virtuosity and showmanship permeate all of these violin concertos. The recordings were made in 1959 and 1961, but the sound quality is relatively excellent, with great balance between solo violin, harpsichord, and orchestra. The liner notes are informative and sincerely point out that not all of Vivaldi's concertos are of equal interest, with a few hints as to which ones are considered outstanding. Whatever you do, please consider a period instrument recording of the Four Seasons too so that you hear the real Baroque sound as well as more modern interpretations, both approaches are beautiful, thanks to Vivaldi's creativity.

Average customer rating:

Outstanding Selection From Beginning To End
Heavenly beautiful
Celestial beauty, magnificent recording

Vivaldi Adagios

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000J9GP
Release Date: 1999-06-15

Tracks:

The Four Seasons: Concerto No. 4 In F Minor: 'Winter' - (Largo)
The Four Seasons: Concerto No. 1 In E Major: 'Spring' - (Largo)
The Four Seasons: Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: 'Summer' - (Adagio)
The Four Seasons: Concerto No. 3 In F Major: 'Autumn' - (Adagio)
Concerto For Guitar In D Major - (Largo)
Concerto For 2 Mandolins In G Major - (Andante)
Concerto For 2 Oboes In D Minor - (Largo)
Concerto For 2 Violins & 2 Cellos In D Major - (Largo)
Concerto For Piccolo In C Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 12 In G Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 1 In B-Flat Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 2 In E Minor - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concero No. 3 In G Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 4 Iin A Minor - (Grave)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 5 In A Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 6 In G Minor - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 7 In C Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 7 In C Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 9 In F Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 10 In C Minor - (Adagio)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 11 In D Major - (Largo)
Concerto For Recorder In A Minor - (Largo)
Concerto For Oboe In F Major - (Largo)
Concerto For Flute In C Minor - (Largo)
Concerto For Guitar And Viola D'Amore in D Minor - (Largo)
Concerto In A Major - (Largo)

Tracks:

Concerto For Recorder In G Minor, 'La Notte': Largo
Concerto For 2 Oboes, Bassoon, 2 Horns & Violin In F Major: Grave
Concerto For 2 Oboes, Bassoon, 2 Horns & Violin In F Major: Grave
Concerto For 2 Horns In F Major: Larghetto
Concerto For Bassoon In A Minor: Larghetto
La Cetra, Op. 9: Concerto No. 8 In D Minor - Largo
La Cetra, Op. 9: Concerto No. 9 In B-Flat Major - Largo e spiccato
La Cetra, Op. 9: Concerto No. 10 In G Major - Largo cantabile
La Cetra, Op. 9: Concerto No. 11 In C Minor - Adagio
La Cetra, Op. 9: Largo
La Cetra, Op. 9: Concerto No. 6 In A Major - Largo
La Cetra, Op. 9: Concerto No. 7 In B-Flat Major - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 5 In E-Flat Major - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 6 In C Major - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 7 in D Minor - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 8 In G Minor - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 9 In D Minor - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 10 In B-Flat Major 'La Caccia' - Adagio
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 11 In D Major - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 12 In C Major - Largo
Concerto For 2 Cellos In G Minor: Largo
Concerto For 2 Flutes In C Major: Largo

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Selection From Beginning To End.......2005-11-13

The first CD in this 2-CD set might be sub-titled "Vivaldi's Greatest Adagio Hits" while the second CD has a wonderful compilation of adagio movements that are less well-known. The quality of the musicianship and of the recorded sound is excellent from the beginning to the end of these two CDs. I had heard all the selections on the first CD before, but the second CD had many selections that I heard for the first time. These two CDs show why Vivaldi was truly one of the greatest composers who ever lived. Every melody is wonderful and each track on these CDs flows smoothly to the next. This is a very well selected compilation of adagios that I have listened to many times with great pleasure. Very highly recommended.

Heavenly beautiful.......2004-12-09

I have got 4 CDs from the "Adagio" series of Decca (Violin, movie, piano, Vivaldi). All of them are beautiful. But this one is absolutely my most favorite. I listened it again and again in the sunny weekend mornings or in the tranquil nights, I listened it when I was reading, strolling on line or just before sleeping. It is so beautiful, I did enjoyed every movement from it.

Celestial beauty, magnificent recording.......2000-09-01

Although no longer a professional musician, I listen to classical music constantly, and unlike many of my former colleagues, I greatly enjoy listening to collections of movements from different pieces. Some of these collections work better than others, and having listened multiple times to all of the Adagio collections available, I am extremely fond of the Vivaldi. Some of the pieces are familiar, many are not, and that is part of the charm of this set. Vivaldi is a great melodist, and these tranquil pieces will transport you. Buy this set--you will listen to it again and again.

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