Vivaldi: Bassoon Concertos, Vol. 4

1. Bassoon Concerto, for bassoon, strings & continuo in G major, RV 492
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
with Daniel Smith
Conducted by Tonko Ninic

2. Bassoon Concerto, for bassoon, strings & continuo in F major, RV 489
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
with Daniel Smith
Conducted by Tonko Ninic

3. Bassoon Concerto, for bassoon, strings & continuo in G major, RV 493
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
with Daniel Smith
Conducted by Tonko Ninic

4. Bassoon Concerto, for bassoon, strings & continuo in E minor, RV 484
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
with Daniel Smith
Conducted by Tonko Ninic

5. Bassoon Concerto, for bassoon, strings & continuo in B flat major, RV 504
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
with Daniel Smith
Conducted by Tonko Ninic

6. Bassoon Concerto, for bassoon, strings & continuo in C minor, RV 480
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
with Daniel Smith
Conducted by Tonko Ninic

7. Bassoon Concerto, for bassoon, strings & continuo in B flat major, RV 503
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
with Daniel Smith
Conducted by Tonko Ninic

Tracks:

Allegro
Larghetto
Allegro Molto
Allegro Non Molto
Andante
Allegro Molto
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Allegro Non Molto
Larghetto
Allegro
Allegro
Largo
(Allegro)

Customer Reviews:

Another excellent addition to the series.......2007-05-13

If you have been collecting the previous volumes of Naxos' complete survey of Antonio Vivaldi's (1678-1741) bassoon concertos, as I have, you are probably expecting good things from Volume Four. Happily, I can report that the playing and sound quality is up to the excellent standard established by the previous entries in this series. And, what of the concertos themselves? Although this may be more subjective, I actually think the six concertos presented here, on average, are the most interesting in this series thus far.

Similar to Volume Three (Vivaldi: Bassoon Concertos 3), this release contains two minor key concertos (RV 481, 499) and four major key concertos (RV 485, 477, 470, 494). Although each of the six concertos recorded here are highly inventive, even by Vivaldi's standards, my personal favorite is RV 477. I find the open movement's slyly simple descending theme in the upper strings to be wholly irresistible (Track 7). This concerto's conclusion is interesting for Vivaldi's simultaneous use of the bass and tenor qualities of the bassoon. Listen to the downbeat bass anchors followed by ornamentations in the tenor register as an example (Track 9). Another favorite is the tempestuous opening ritornello of RV 481 (Track 1), followed by an unforgetable doleful bassoon melody. Throughout this series it should be noted that Benkócs handles all of the wide leaps and rapid figurations with ease (or at least he makes it sound easy), and takes care to provide the appropriate stylistic contrasts called for in these pieces, whether it is through his legato versus staccato articulation or through his clearly discernable pianos and fortes.

In my review of Volume Three of this series, I made some comparisons to ASV's competing set of bassoon concertos. I think those comparisons continue to remain applicable. Namely, the sound engineering and bassoon playing is superior on the Naxos series. While on the other hand, I find the ensemble and continuo playing to be more characteristic on the ASV series. But, the reason to acquire Vivaldi's bassoon concertos is to experience the unbelievable virtuosity it requires to perform these tremendously tricky pieces, and Benkócs surely disappoint. Just listen to the rapid fire sixteenth note precision in the conclusion of RV 494 (Track 18). With that said, the Naxos series is the clear choice here, without even considering Naxos' lower price.

In conclusion, this release is fully and enthusiastically recommended to those collecting this series. If you have yet to begin collecting these fascinating concertos, this volume makes an excellent introduction to Vivaldi's bassoon concertos.

TT: 57:26

Average customer rating:

A must for Woodwind Enthusiasts!

Vivaldi: Bassoon Concertos, Vol. 4

Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000030WU
Release Date: 1997-03-18

Tracks:

Con No.29 in G (RV492): First Movt: Allegro Non Molto
Con No.29 in G (RV492): Second Movt: Largo
Con No.29 in G (RV492): Third Movt: Allegro
Con No.20 in F (RV489): First Movt: Allegro
Con No.20 in F (RV489): Second Movt: Largo
Con No.20 in F (RV489): Third Movt: Allegro
Con No.30 in G (RV493): First Movt: Allegro Ma Poco
Con No.30 in G (RV493): Second Movt: Largo
Con No.30 in G (RV493): Third Movt: Allegro
Con No.6 in e (RV484): First Movt: Allegro Poco
Con No.6 in e (RV484): Second Movt: Andante
Con No.6 in e (RV484): Third Movt: Allegro
Con No.36 in B flat (RV504): First Movt: Allegro Ma Poco
Con No.36 in B flat (RV504): Second Movt: Larghetto
Con No.36 in B flat (RV504): Third Movt: Allegro
Con No.14 in c (RV480): First Movt: Allegro
Con No.14 in c (RV480): Second Movt: Andantino (Quasi Menuetto)
Con No.14 in c (RV480): Third Movt: Allegro
Con No.35 in B flat (RV503): First Movt: Allegro Non Molto
Con No.35 in B flat (RV503): Second Movt: Largo
Con No.35 in B flat (RV503): Third Movt: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

A must for Woodwind Enthusiasts!.......2000-02-23

I remember as a young bassoonist, many years ago, learning to play many of the Vivaldi Bassoon Concerti. Although the music was wonderful and exciting, there was a serious lack of recordings. Now, thanks to Daniel Smith one can hear the music in all its glory. Many historians wonder why Vivaldi wrote so many concertos for the bassoon, which is not often considered a solo instrument. After listening to the wonderful virtuoso performances of Daniel Smith, you will know why. He demonstrates the wonderful range, expressiveness, and versatility of the bassoon. I own all of his Vivaldi Bassoon Concerti recordings and I often play them in my office. People ask me what that instrument is and are surprised and amazed at what a bassoon can really sound like in the hands of a true master. I give these recordings 5 stars.

Vivaldi: The Orchestral Masterpieces, Vol. 1 [Exclusive Free Sampler Included]

Average customer rating:

Vivaldi: The Orchestral Masterpieces, Vol. 1 [Exclusive Free Sampler Included]

Manufacturer: Vanguard Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polonaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music