Violin Concerti 1 & 2

1. Violin Concerto No.1, Op. 35, M37
Composed by Karol Szymanowski
Performed by Polish Chamber Philharmonic with Konstantly Kulka
Conducted by Karol Stryja

2. Violin Concerto No. 2, Op. 61, M71
Composed by Karol Szymanowski
Performed by Polish Chamber Philharmonic with Roman Lasocki
Conducted by Karol Stryja

3. Nocturne & Tarantella, for violin & piano, Op. 28, M30
Composed by Karol Szymanowski
Performed by Polish Chamber Philharmonic Conducted by Karol Stryja

Tracks:

An Untold Story: Assaggio No.1 In G Minor - Johann Helmich Roman
The Legend Of Casanova: Tambourins I/II From Daro - Jean-Philippe Rameau
I Yield To Love: Cello Concerto No.3 In D Minor - Leonardo Leo
Eternal Damnation: Overture From Les Fetes De Polymnie/Overture From Platee/Overture From Zoroastre - Jean-Philippe Rameau
The Doge's Decree: Concerto In C Major - Antonio Vivaldi
A Venetian Virgin - Alexandre Desplat
San Cremori At Dawn: Concerto In C Major For Harpsicord And Strings - Giovanni Paisiello
A Lover's Duel: Overture From La Madrilena - Vicente Martin Y Soler
A Terrible Mistake: Concerto A 5, Op.9, No.4 - Tomaso Albinoni
A Secret Lover?: Sinfonia From The Opera Farnace - Antonio Vivaldi
Marriage Is A Safe Haven: Concerto A 5, Op.9 No.4 - Tomaso Albinoni
Trailing Guardi: Sonata For Violin And Bassocontinuo, Op.5 No.11 In E Minor - Arcangelo Corelli
The Noble Pig: Concerto Per Quartetto No.8 - Francesco Durante
Paprizzio's Arrival: Concerto A 5, Op.9 No.2 In D Minor - Tomaso Albinoni
Inquisitor Pucci - Alexandre Desplat
: Concerto A 5, Op.9 No.4 - Tomaso Albinoni
A Big Idea: Harpsicord Concerto In B Flat Major - Francesco Durante
A Nom De Plume/Carnivale!: Concerto A 5, Op.9 No.6 In G Major/Bouree From Les Plaisirs Champetres - Tomaso Albinoni
The Plume's Nom Is Casanova! - Sonny Kompanek
Dancing At The Doge's Ball: Riguadon From Water Music Suite, No.3 In G Major/Bouree From Music For Royal Fireworks/Loure From Tafelmusik1 - George Frideric Handel
One Step Closer To Heaven: Concerto A 5, Op.9 No.4 In A Major - Tomaso Albinoni
Casanova's Confession: Sonata Op.5 No.7 In D Minor - Arcangelo Corelli
The Hanging: Violin Concerto 'Il Cimento Dell'Armonia E Dell'INvenzione' Op.8 No.11 In D Major - Antonio Vivaldi
A Great Escape: Overture From Zais/Overture From Nais/Overture From Achante Et Cephise Ou La Sympathie - Jean-Philippe Rameau
My Place Is With Casanova: Overture From Le Temple De La Gloire/Overture From Zais/Sonata For Violin And Bassocontinuo, Op.5 No.7 In D Minor - Arcangelo Corelli
All's Well...:Concerto A 5, Op.9 No.4 In A Major - Tomaso Albinoni

Amazon.com

The action in this tale about the 18th century adventurer and (at least in popular lore) seducer is set in Cassanova's native Venice in the mid-1700s, so it makes sense that the soundtrack would be loaded with Baroque pieces. The Venice-based Tomaso Albinoni is featured prominentaly, along with heavyweights such as Antonio Vivaldi, Jean-Baptiste Rameau, and George Frideric Handel, and lesser-known composers such as Arcangelo Corelli, Francesco Durante, and Alexandre Desplat. Er, actually Desplat is a contemporary French film composer who also released his score for the couldn't-be-more-different Syriana shortly after Casanova came out. Of the two pieces he penned here, "A Venetian Virgin" is in pure Baroque style, while "Inquisitor Pucci" betrays a more modern film-music vibe. Meanwhile, orchestrator Sonny Kompanek rearranged a couple of the tracks and authored the tense "The Plume's Nom Is Casanova," which doesn't sound embarrassing sandwiched between pieces by Albinoni and Handel. Overall, it would have been nice to get longer excerpts from the pieces--many feel chopped into too-small fragments--but the music's innate grace and elegance can't be beat for a period film. Or for any film, really: Vivaldi's Concerto in C Major ("The Doge's Decree") will be familiar to buffs, who will remember it featuring prominently in the Dustin Hoffman-¬Meryl Streep showdown Kramer vs. Kramer back in 1979. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Sheer Beauty for the Ears.......2006-07-25

For those that purchased this CD, I need not get into how masterfully infectious the movie was. After the first viewing, I found it charming, but after the second, I was hooked by the witty, clever story holding fun twists all along the way. So while I could go on and on about the movie and all of its wonderful aspects, the score was simply priceless. Apt in every scene, and all done with incredible baroque music that I had never had the opportunity of hearing before the film.

The disc walks you through the movie with no changes that I could tell from the original score. The only omission I found was that the song dubbed "Casanova's Theme" is played in much greater length in the closing credits, and that didn't seem to make it to the CD. Not a terrible loss.

Authenticity can sound great as well!.......2006-07-11

As an avid baroque music listener and performer, I can attest to the delightfully pleasing performances on the soundtrack as well as the painstakingly accurate performance practices utilized in the recording of this soundtrack.

The producers of this film fortunately went to the trouble of hiring some of the top period performance musician-specialists in the country (perhaps in the entire world) to record the soundtrack to Casanova. I know, because several of them were faculty members of the Oberlin Conservatory Baroque Performance Institute who went AWOL to Hollywood in June 2005 for the recording sessions. We all forgave them, and were actually quite excited that period music performance was having its day on the silver screen.

Do not miss this exquisite potpourri of wonderful baroque composers' works performed as closely as humanly possible to the way that they heard their works during their lifetimes! The film may not have been intended to be historically accurate (part of the fun), but the music certainly ended up that way. Not only that, but it sounds heavenly (unlike Casanova's antics) and up-to-date, not musty and old as if it were sealed in a museum case.

a little world of baroque sound.......2006-02-26

Lots of interesting baroque music unknown to me and
put together in dramatic sequences that add zest and
class to the listening experience. Also wonderful to
play in auto while driving thru boring country or in
slow moving traffic!
This CD will get a lot of play from me.
5 Stars!

Wonderful relaxing music........2006-02-25

Saw the movie and had to have the soundtrack. Great music to relax by. When you need to get away from the cares of the day the classics can't be beat. The producers of this movie certainly chose wonderful music to accompany it.

-.......2006-02-18

Good music but each is too short.
The original version of each may be better.

Manfredini: CONCERTI GROSSI OP. 3 Nos. 1-12

Average customer rating:

A little known treasure
Sparkling Music
Manfredini is 'da MAN! So Underrated his works are!!!
Vivaldi with a touch of Mozart
Unsung Baroque Master

Manfredini: CONCERTI GROSSI OP. 3 Nos. 1-12

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Locatelli: Concerti Grossi, Op. 1, Nos. 1-6
Locatelli: Concerti Grossi, Op. 1, Nos. 7-12
Geminiani: Concerti Grossi Vol. 1
Muffat: Concerti Grossi, Nos. 1-6
Muffat: Concerti Grossi, Nos. 7-12

ASIN: B000026CWI
Release Date: 1999-10-26

Tracks:

Con in F, Op.3, No.1: Allegro Assai-Adagio
Con in F, Op.3, No.1: Presto
Con in F, Op.3, No.1: Allegro
Con in a, Op.3, No.2: Presto-Adagio
Con in a, Op.3, No.2: Allegro
Con in a, Op.3, No.2: Allegro
Con in e, Op.3, No.3: Allegro
Con in e, Op.3, No.3: Largo
Con in e, Op.3, No.3: Presto
Con in e, Op.3, No.3: Presto
Con in B flat, Op.3, No.4: Allegro
Con in B flat, Op.3, No.4: Adagio
Con in B flat, Op.3, No.4: Presto
Con in B flat, Op.3, No.4: Allegro
Con in d, Op.3, No.5: Adagio
Con in d, Op.3, No.5: Allegro
Con in d, Op.3, No.5: Andante E Piano Sempre-Adagio
Con in d, Op.3, No.5: Allegro
Con in D, Op.3, No.6: Allegro
Con in D, Op.3, No.6: Adagio-Presto-Adagio
Con in D, Op.3, No.6: Allegro
Con in G, Op.3, No.7: Allegro
Con in G, Op.3, No.7: Adagio
Con in G, Op.3, No.7: Presto
Con in F, Op.8, No.8: Grave-Allegro
Con in F, Op.8, No.8: Adagio
Con in F, Op.8, No.8: Presto-Adagio
Con in F, Op.8, No.8: Presto
Con in D, Op.3, No.9: Adagio
Con in D, Op.3, No.9: Presto
Con in D, Op.3, No.9: Largo
Con in D, Op.3, No.9: Allegro
Con in g, Op.3, No.10: Adagio
Con in g, Op.3, No.10: Allegro
Con in g, Op.3, No.10: Largo
Con in g, Op.3, No.10: Presto
Con in c, Op.3, No.11: Allegro
Con in c, Op.3, No.11: Adagio
Con in c, Op.3, No.11: Allegro
Con in C, Op.3, No.12 (Con Grosso Per Il Santissimo Natale): Pastorale: Largo
Con in C, Op.3, No.12 (Con Grosso Per Il Santissimo Natale): Largo
Con in C, Op.3, No.12 (Con Grosso Per Il Santissimo Natale): Allegro

Customer Reviews:

A little known treasure.......2007-06-08

I really enjoy the Capella Istropolitana. They have such a wonderful and bright sound. I find the works on this CD to be well played and the tempo selection for each movement very good. I listen to Baroque on my daily commute to and from work. I have a particular affinity for Italian Baroque and Manfredini does not disappoint me. He has nice melodic Concerti Grossi. This is a very pleasant and uplifting CD.

Sparkling Music.......2007-03-15

In the 1990s the Capella Istropolitana recorded for Naxos all, or nearly all,the concerti grossi of Corelli, Geminiani, Locatelli and Manfredini. The Corelli was pretty good, you used to hear it on classic music radio, the Geminiana and Locatelli recordings were less so, but all were good enough to interest me so that in later years I bought better recordings of all of them. This CD, the Manfredini, was the most successful of them. The recording is of the twelve concerti grossi of his opus 3, just about all of his surviving work. Each of the twelve is a little gem, tuneful, joyful music that sparkles like the morning sun on dew. The performance is unprentious, but precise and articulate, and the first and only ( ? )recording of this music. If my memory is correct the CD won a Rosette from Penguin. It is well worth 5 stars, and at Naxos's bargain price is a steal, please buy it, it may spur your interest in the wonderful world of Baroque music.

Manfredini is 'da MAN! So Underrated his works are!!!.......2004-11-18

WOW WOW WOW!

I love rhythmic baroque music. Such as Vivaldi's presto's and Telemann's Sinfonia Spritiuosa. But we've all heard of Viv and Tele, and Bach etc... Then I hapt across (thank to the internet) this dude named Francesco Onofrio MANFREDINI! This guy is awesome. The strings bounce and move with rhythmic strength and joy from end to end of this steller 18th century master.

I hope I'm not missing out on any other Baroque composer's at this level. After all I just hapt across the one, the only, the MAN! Manfredini and this groovin' Concerti Grossi, Op.3!!! Hmm now to search for opus 1,2,4,....

And did I mention it was $7 bucks! Absolutely hilarious they want $17.00 for the latest brittney spears CD and only $7 for this timeless masterwork of sonic beauty by Manfredini.

Vivaldi with a touch of Mozart.......2003-06-25

How Manfredini could remain unknown after composing music this beautiful is both a mystery and a shame. The concerti are very reminiscent of Vivaldi, but with a melodic refinement and sensitivity that belong to a later era. The performance is outstanding, and the recording is crystal clear. Highly recommended for any music lover, and note that [Amazon.com's]sample tracks are just a foretaste - the best numbers are later in the CD.

Unsung Baroque Master.......1999-10-21

Manfredini is one of the unsung masters of the Italian Baroque. This recording is the first commitment of his complete and enchanting Opus 3 to CD. The concertos are energetic and polished and showcase the considerable melodic gifts of this fine composer. The 12th concerto will be familiar to many as the "Christmas" concerto which is a fine and beautifully crafted finale to the opus. Let us hope more of Manfredini's music will soon make its way into recordings.

Locatelli: Concerti Grossi, Op. 1, Nos. 1-6

Average customer rating:

Naxos Lost Riches...and this is a gem...
Locatelli is an excellent composer

Locatelli: Concerti Grossi, Op. 1, Nos. 1-6

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Locatelli: Concerti Grossi, Op. 1, Nos. 7-12
Manfredini: CONCERTI GROSSI OP. 3 Nos. 1-12
Geminiani: Concerti Grossi Vol. 1
Muffat: Concerti Grossi, Nos. 1-6
Muffat: Concerti Grossi, Nos. 7-12

ASIN: B00000148S
Release Date: 1996-06-18

Tracks:

Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Adagio
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Largo
Vivace
Allegro
Adagio
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Adagio
Allegro
Largo
Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Naxos Lost Riches...and this is a gem..........2006-08-10

This first six concerti of Locatelli's Concerti Grossi, Opus 1 is remarkable (concerti 7-12 are just as excellent). The playing is quite equal to any marquee orchestra (London PHO, Boston SO, Berlin PHO, et al). The production values are also first rate.

Since Naxos first appeared circa 1990, it's dedication to quality has never wavered. Even before the "official" fall of the Iron Curtain, Naxos was releasing recordings by Eastern European soloists (witness Irina Zartiskaya's remarkable rendition of Chopin's "Preludes") who were essentially anonymous in the West.

Naxos continues this tradition, providing the art music lover with an almost bewildering variety of choices from the standards of the repertoire to works long consigned to the musicologist and 78s gathering dust.

I've never bought a Naxos disc that didn't have top notch production values (even if I didn't particularly care for the music itself).

The discs always include well written, informative liner notes.

Whether you are a long-time fan of art music (of nearly all periods, from Renaissance to twelve-tone) or just beginning to explore it, Naxos is a perfect place to start. Their own website includes links to Amazon for hundreds of disks in their catalog.

And their prices still can't be beat. When they first started, the cost was $3.98 a disc, now it's risen to $8.98, still a bargain compared to the releases by the Big Three record companies with superstar soloists/ensembles.

Locatelli is an excellent composer.......2004-04-27

Locatelli may not be as well known as J. S. Bach or Antonio Vivaldi, but his music is spectacular. His Opus 1 is some of his best work. My personal favorite is concerto number 5, however, the entire CD is great. I have to say that often the Naxos label puts out excellent baroque music very cheaply, and it is often music that is difficult to find elsewhere. Quite seriously, if you are a fan of great baroque music then this is a CD that you should not be without.

Average customer rating:

Stravaganza: Violin Concerti Op 4 1-12

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

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Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
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J.S. Bach: Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin, BWV 1001-1006

ASIN: B00008LKDY
Release Date: 2003-07-08

Average customer rating:

Dining Classics

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Sextets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000C83YQ
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

Vivaldi: Spring from the Four Seasons
Hummel: Mandolin Concerto - 2nd Movement
Respighi: Six Pieces for Violin 7 Piano - 4th Movement
Scheibe: Sinfonia in A Minor - Allegro
Torriba: Sonatina - 1st Movement
Bach: Violin Concerto No.2 in E Majpr - 3rd Movement
Albinoni: Concerto with Two Oboes - 1st Movement
Bach: Brandenberg Concerto No. 5 - 3rd movement
Telemann: Concerto in D - 1st Movement
Vivaldi: Concerto for Strings in D Major - 1st Movement
Chopin: 12 Etudes, Op. 10, No. 10
Mozart: Horn Concerto No. 4 - 3rd Movement
: Schubert: String Quartet, D. 112 - 3rd Movement
Ireland: A Downland Suite - 3rd movement
Arne: Symphony No. 2 - 3rd movement
Vivaldi: Concerto for Lute - 3rd Movement
Elgar: Chanson de matin
Spohr: String Sextet, Op. 140 - 3rd 7 4th Movement
Mozart: Rondo in C major for Flute (violin) and Orchestra
Villa Lobos: Choros No. 1
Chopin: 12 Etudes, Op. 10, No. 5

Tracks:

Beethoven: Seven Bagatelles, Op. 33, No. 4
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21 - 2nd Movement
Pergolesi: Concerti Armonici No. 5 in B-Flat
Handel: 'Where E'er You Walk' from Semele
Handel: Water Music, Suite No. 2 - Sarabande
Mozart: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - 2nd Movement
Tarrega: Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Handel 'Lascia ch'io Pianga' from Rinaldo
Field: Concerto No. 2 in A-Flat - 2nd Movement
Herschel: Symphony No. 2 - 2nd movement
Pachelbel: Canon in D
Field: Nocturme No. 5 in B-flat
Bach: 'Sheep May Safely Graze'
Debussy: preludes Book 1 - No. 8
Massenet: Le Denier Sommiel de la Vierge
Myers: Cavatina

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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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.

Locatelli: Concerti Grossi, Op. 1, Nos. 7-12

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Locatelli: Concerti Grossi, Op. 1, Nos. 7-12

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Locatelli: Concerti Grossi, Op. 1, Nos. 1-6
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Muffat: Concerti Grossi, Nos. 7-12

ASIN: B00000148T
Release Date: 1996-11-05

Tracks:

Concert Grosso No. 7 In F Major: Allegro
Concert Grosso No. 7 In F Major: Largo
Concert Grosso No. 7 In F Major: Allegro
Concerto Grosso No. 8 In F Minor: Largo - Grave - Vivace
Concerto Grosso No. 8 In F Minor: Grave
Concerto Grosso No. 8 In F Minor: Largo - Andante
Concerto Grosso No. 8 In F Minor: Andante
Concerto Grosso No. 8 In F Minor: Pastorale
Concerto Grosso No. 9 In D Major: Allegro
Concerto Grosso No. 9 In D Major: Largo
Concerto Grosso No. 9 In D Major: Allemanda: Allegro
Concerto Grosso No. 9 In D Major: Sarabanda: Largo
Concerto Grosso No. 9 In D Major: Allegro
Concerto Grosso No. 10 In C Major: Largo
Concerto Grosso No. 10 In C Major: Allemanda: Allegro
Concerto Grosso No. 10 In C Major: Largo - Andante
Concerto Grosso No. 10 In C Major: Vivace
Concerto Grosso No. 11 In C Minor: Largo
Concerto Grosso No. 11 In C Minor: Allemanda: Allegro
Concerto Grosso No. 11 In C Minor: Sarabanda: Largo
Concerto Grosso No. 11 In C Minor: Gigue: Allegro
Concerto Grosso No. 12 In G Minor: Largo
Concerto Grosso No. 12 In G Minor: Allemanda
Concerto Grosso No. 12 In G Minor: Sarabanda
Concerto Grosso No. 12 In G Minor: Presto
Concerto Grosso No. 12 In G Minor: Gavotta

Fantastic Style: 17th-Century Violin Music

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Good record in ecomonic price

Fantastic Style: 17th-Century Violin Music

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Uccellini - Sonatas / Romanesca - Manze · North · Toll
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Pandolfi: Complete Violin Sonatas

ASIN: B00099FVCY
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Customer Reviews:

Good record in ecomonic price.......2007-07-19

This CD is 2 CDs in one price, however, that's not good enought that I recommand it, the more important is that Manze had gotten good appreciation when individual record released, so we could listen his beautiful music with lower price.
As to the list of these collection, the major composer isn't shown of Castello, but Schmelzer, you could view its comments from other reviewers. I would add more coment from comparied with Manze and Holloway. The former is good of violin technique and fluent; the latter is that put more expressive with emotion on it. They all works perfect, not esay to compare. If you ever liked or listen one of them, I recommand you try both of.

Average customer rating:

Just beautiful!

Italian Christmas Music

Manufacturer: Sony Special Product
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002YVH
Release Date: 1995-06-28

Customer Reviews:

Just beautiful!.......2003-11-16

Just because I love the sound of Italian, and I just love Italy, I ordered this CD for not much dependable info. I am so glad to own this now. It is such a beautiful CD that I can't believe it's so cheap. This is definitely a bargain find.