Vivaldi: The Four Seasons; Double Concertos

On this CD:

1. Violin Concerto ("La Primavera", The Four Seasons) for violin, strings & continuo in E ("Il cimento" No. 1), Op.8/1, RV 269
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Jerusalem Music Centre Chamber Orchestra, Isaac Stern

2. Violin Concerto ("L'estate", The Four Seasons) for violin, strings & continuo in G minor, Op. 8/2, RV 315
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Jerusalem Music Centre Chamber Orchestra, Isaac Stern

3. Violin Concerto ("L'autunno", The Four Seasons), for violin, strings & continuo in F major ("Il cimento" No. 3), Op.8/3, RV 293
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Jerusalem Music Centre Chamber Orchestra, Isaac Stern

4. Violin Concerto ("L'inverno", The Four Seasons), for violin, strings & continuo in F minor ("Il cimento" No. 4) Op. 8/4, RV 297
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Jerusalem Music Centre Chamber Orchestra, Isaac Stern

5. Double Violin Concerto, for 2 violins, strings & continuo in G Major, RV 516
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Jean-Pierre Rampal, Isaac Stern, Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra

6. Double Violin Concerto, for 2 violins, strings & continuo in B flat Major, RV 524
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Jean-Pierre Rampal, Isaac Stern, Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra

7. Concerto, for 3 violins, strings & continuo in F Major, RV 551
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by New York Philharmonic with Itzhak Perlman, Isaac Stern, Pinchas Zukerman
Conducted by Zubin Mehta

8. Double Violin Concerto, for 2 violins, strings & continuo in A minor (L'estro armonico No. 8), Op. 3/8, RV 522
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Philadelphia Orchestra with David Oistrakh, Isaac Stern
Conducted by Eugene Ormandy

9. Double Violin Concerto, for 2 violins, strings & continuo in D Minor, RV 514
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Philadelphia Orchestra [members of] with David Oistrakh, William Jay Smith, Isaac Stern
Conducted by Eugene Ormandy

10. Double Violin Concerto, for 2 violins, strings & continuo in G Minor, RV 517
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Philadelphia Orchestra [members of] with David Oistrakh, William Jay Smith, Isaac Stern
Conducted by Eugene Ormandy

11. Double Violin Concerto, for 2 violins, strings & continuo in C Minor, RV 509
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Philadelphia Orchestra [members of] with David Oistrakh, William Jay Smith, Isaac Stern
Conducted by Eugene Ormandy

12. Double Violin Concerto, for 2 violins, strings & continuo in D Major, RV 512
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Philadelphia Orchestra [members of] with David Oistrakh, William Jay Smith, Isaac Stern
Conducted by Eugene Ormandy

13. Sinfonia Concertante for violin, viola & orchestra in D
Composed by Carl Stamitz
Performed by English Chamber Orchestra, Isaac Stern, Pinchas Zukerman
Conducted by Daniel Barenboim

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Affettuoso
III. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro Assai
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegro Assai
I. Vivace
II. Largo Ma Non Tanto
III. Allegro

Tracks:

Rhapsody No. 2 (Lassu [Moderato] - Friss [Allegro Moderato])
I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Andante Tranquillo
III. Allegro Molto
I. Andante
I. Allegretto (Scherzando)
II. Allegro
II. Adagio

Tracks:

Romance No. 1 In G Major
I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Cadenza: Kreisler)
II. Larghetto
III. Rondo (Allegro) (Cadenza: Kreisler)
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Adagio
III. Finale (Allegro Energico)

Tracks:

Romance No. 2 In F Major, Op. 50
I. Allegro Non Troppo (Cadenza: Kreisler)
II. Adagio
III. Allegro Giocoso, Ma Non Troppo Vivace - Poco Piu Presto
I. Allegro Molto Appassionato
II. Andante
III. Allegretto Non Troppo - Allegro Molto Vivace

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro Molto
I. Andante Tranquillo
II. Presto Capriccioso Alla Napolitana & Trio (Canzonetta)
III. Vivace

Tracks:

I. Allegro Moderato (Cadenza: Menuhin)
II. Adagio Molto
III. Finale (Presto) (Cadenza: Menuhin)
I. Allegro
II. Andante Cantabile
III. Rondo (Andante Grazioso - Allegro Ma Non Troppo)
I. Allegro Maestoso
II. Andante
III. Presto

Tracks:

I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Scherzando (Allegro Molto)
III. Intermezzo (Allegretto Non Troppo)
IV. Andante
V. Rondo (Allegro)
I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Andantino Quasi Allegretto
III. Molto Moderato E Maestoso - Allegro Non Troppo
Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28
Havanaise, Op. 83

Tracks:

I. Allegro Maestoso (Cadenza: Emile Sauret)
II. Adagio Espressivo
III. Rondo (Allegro Spiritoso)
I. Andante - Moderato - Cadenza
II. Adagio Religioso
III. Scherzo (Vivace) & Trio
IV. Finale (Allegro)
I. Allegro Non Troppo
II. Cadenza
III. Adagio
IV. Allegro Con Fuoco

Tracks:

Serenade Melancolique
I. Allegro Moderato
II. Adagio Di Molto
III. Allegro Ma Non Tanto
I. Praeludium (Largo)
I. Allegro Cavalleresco
II. Intermezzo (Poco Adagio)
II. Rondo (Allegretto Scherzando)

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Largo
III. Allegro
I. Allegro Non Molto
II. Adagio
III. Presto
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegro
I. Allegro Non Molto
II. Largo
III. Allegro
I. Vivace - Allegro - Adagio - Vivace - Allegro - Largo Andante
II. Allegro
III. Grave - Andante Largo - Allegro
Fantasia Concertante On A Theme Of Corelli

Customer Reviews:

Mostly Magnificent Menuhin, with a Few Reservations.......2004-01-06

The recent trend toward classical box sets focusing on the performer instead of the composer (see my reviews of the various DG/Decca "Original Masters" sets) continues with EMI's new "Yehudi Menuhin - The Violinist." Sure EMI's past sets have showcased individual performances by Samson Francois, Eugen Jochum and Rudolf Kempe to name a few, but it was always under the heading of a given composer's works, and in the cases mentioned above, to Chopin's piano pieces, Bruckner's Symphonies and Strauss' Orchestral Works respectively. Therefore, this Menuhin collection is the first of EMI's "Budget Box Sets" to showcase a performer playing the works of a variety of composers.

As Menuhin was an EMI recording artist for an incredible 68 years (1931-99), his performances for the label number in the hundreds. With so much music from which to choose, this 10-disc set aims "to highlight some of those alternative versions, including recordings that have not been easily available since the days of LP and others that have never previously appeared on CD." Therefore, the obvious mainstream, easily attainable recordings are omitted here -- for example, the Beethoven/Mendelssohn VCs with Furtwangler, the Elgar VC with the composer conducting, and the Bruch/Mendelssohn VCs with Susskind and Kurtz.

However, a lot of this material has been on disc before on titles which the serious collector most likely already owns. Most of the Bach is currently available as part of the Bach "Budget Box Series" title. The Bruch, Mendelssohn, Brahms and Vivaldi VCs were all available in the now out-of-print 2CD EMI Seraphim series. The Elgar and the Walton are still available in the "British Composers" series. And perhaps most annoyingly, the previously unpublished Beethoven VC and Tchaikovsky "Serenade melancolique" (available as a single disc), and the Beethoven Romance No. 2 (available on an EMI Encore title) were both reissued just a few months back.

But let's focus on the positive, which are the other rare performances, the most significant being the never before reissued 1954 performance of Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 4 with John Pritchard and the Philharmonia. Other elusive recordings include Viuextemps and Paganini VCs with Fistoulari, Lalo and Saint-Saens works with Goossens, and excellent Berg and Bartok accounts with Boulez. Though I'm delighted at their inclusion, of lesser importance is a 1965 Bartok VC No. 2 with Dorati -- his mono EMI with Furtwangler and an earlier account with Dorati on Mercury Living Presence are far superior. Also, neither the Sibelius (Boult, 1955) nor Nielsen (Woldike, 1952) Concertos are truly Menuhin's cups of tea.

My last complaint has to do with the packaging. I know I'm being rather trite but it seems that EMI has taken the "slim" out of slim, paper-sleeved box sets with their latest batch of releases. Both this title and the new box of Liszt Orchestral Works by Masur are noticeably thicker than previous EMI sets featuring a similar number of discs. A minor point, but us serious classical collectors need every centimeter of space on our increasingly crowded CD shelves, not to mention the amount of wasted packaging.

Overall though, despite the fact that "Yehudi Menuhin - The Violinist" is not as essential a reissue as its counterparts in the "Original Masters" series, it is a delightful set that most collectors will thoroughly enjoy.

Vivaldi for Valentines: Romantic Interludes for the One You Love

Average customer rating:

More of Vivaldi's great music.
Just great!
Heard "Four Seasons"? Want more? GET THIS!

Vivaldi for Valentines: Romantic Interludes for the One You Love

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Chopin and Champagne: Set Your Mood for Romance
Rachmaninoff for Romance: Passionate Music for Love and Desire
Tchaikovsky At Tea Time: A Refreshing Blend For Body And Spirit
Liszt for Lovers: Piano Dreams of Love and Passion
Baroque at Bathtime: A Relaxing Serenade to Wash Your Cares Away

ASIN: B0000041ER
Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

The Four Seasons: (Winter): Largo
Guitar Concerto in D: Largo
Flute Concerto In D (II gardellino): Cantabile
Concerto In C For Diverse Instruments: Andante molto
String Concerto in G minor: Andante molto
Concerto in D for 2 violins & 2 cellos: Largo
Oboe & Violin Concerto in G minor: Larghetto
Guitar Concerto in A minor: Laro
Triple Violin Concerto in F: Andante
Flute Concerto in F: Largo
Viola d'amore Concerto in D minor: Largo
Violin Concerto in E (II riposo): Allegro
Oboe & Bassoon Concerto in G: Largo
Violin Concerto No. 6 in B-flat: Largo
Concerto in A for Guitar, Violin, Viola & Cello: Larghetto
Violin Concerto in E (L'amoroso): Allegro
Flute Concerto No.4 in G: Largo
Violin Concerto in A (with echo violin): Larghetto
Violin Concerto in C minor (II sospetto): Andante
Double Oboe Concerto in A minor: Largo
Concerto in G minor for the Dresden Orchestra: Largo non molto
Violin Concerto in A minor: Largo
Oboe Concerto In C: Adagio
Flue Concerto No.2 in G minor (La notte): Largo

Amazon.com

Another installment in Philips's Set Your Life to Music series (which has included Mozart for Your Mind, Baroque at Bathtime, and Rachmaninoff for Romance, among others), Vivaldi for Valentines is loosely built around the aura of romance that Venice continues to evoke. Vivaldi captured it for all time in his music, inspired by the often melancholy beauty of his native city, one that has been known through the ages as La Serenissima. Along with such ultrafamiliar pieces as the "Winter" largo movement from The Four Seasons (in which the violin sighs a rapturous melody against sounds imitating a crackling, cozy fire) and the Largo of the Guitar Concerto in D--Vivaldi's slow movements, with all their gentle dreaminess, being given the limelight in this compilation--are many gems you've likely not heard before. The list of performers and approaches is too expansive even to mention but predominantly features performances by I Musici. It's hard to believe that Vivaldi's music, having sunk into oblivion, resurfaced again only a few decades ago. This is a pleasant compilation that makes a perfect entrée if you'd like to learn more about classical music--and Vivaldi in particular--than The Four Season. And, as for setting a romantic mood, this will give your mojo all the help it needs. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

More of Vivaldi's great music........2001-08-24

When it comes to Vivaldi's works, the majority of people usually tend to associate him solely with composing the Four Seasons. However, this particular cd will introduce classical music lovers to other music that he composed for various stringed instruments, including the violin and cello. It does include a section from Winter of the Four Seasons, but the rest is other music that some may not be too familiar with. For a low price, you'll be getting a great selection of music.

Just great!.......2000-07-10

I don't really know a lot about classical music even though I listen to a lot of it. All I can say is that every piece on this collection evokes a tremendous amount of peace and happy emotion. I listen to it in my office, and that in combination with my new fountain.... better than Prozac. My favorite piece is "Concerto for Guitar in D major: Largo" (sample #2 above). Highly recommend!

Heard "Four Seasons"? Want more? GET THIS!.......1999-03-16

Almost everyone knows Vivaldi's "Four Seasons". If you love that gorgeous piece of music, than I say your next purchase should be this! It is a gorgeous collecton of string quartets along with flutes and very impressive classical guitar. I put it on whenever I need to be taken away from this world, or when I need some artistic inspiration.

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons; String Concertos (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons; String Concertos (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Opus 111
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Vivaldi: Concerti per mandolini

ASIN: B00005R2JM
Release Date: 2003-11-18

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Vivaldi Concerto Style

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons; Concertos

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000632N
Release Date: 1998-05-05

Tracks:

The Four Seasons: Concerto No.1 'Spring': I. Allegro
The Four Seasons: Concerto No.1 'Spring': II. Largo e pianissimo sempre
The Four Seasons: Concerto No.1 'Spring': III. Danza pastorale: Allegro
The Four Seasons: Concerto No.2 'Summer': I. Allegro non maolto
The Four Seasons: Concerto No.2 'Summer': II. Adagio
The Four Seasons: Concerto No.2 'Summer': III. Presto
The Four Seasons: Concerto No.3 'Autumn': I. Allegro
The Four Seasons: Concerto No.3 'Autumn': II. Adagio
The Four Seasons: Concerto No.3 'Autumn': III. Allegro
The Four Seasons Concerto No.4 'Winter': I. Allegro non molto
The Four Seasons Concerto No.4 'Winter': II. Largo
The Four Seasons Concerto No.4 'Winter': III. Allegro
The Four Seasons: Concerto For 3 Violins: I. Allegro
The Four Seasons: Concerto For 3 Violins: II. Andante
The Four Seasons: Concerto For 3 Violins: III. Allegro
The Four Seasons: Concerto For 4 Violins: I. Allegro
The Four Seasons: Concerto For 4 Violins: II. Largo
The Four Seasons: Concerto For 4 Violins: III. Allegro

Tracks:

The Four Seasons: Concerto For 2 Trumpets: I. Allegro
The Four Seasons: Concerto For 2 Trumpets: II. Largo
The Four Seasons: Concerto For 2 Trumpets: III. Allegro
The Four Seasons: Concerto For Oboe: I. Allegro
The Four Seasons: Concerto For Oboe: II. Larghetto
The Four Seasons: Concerto For Oboe: III. Minuetto
The Four Seasons: Concerto For Oboe: I. Allegro non molto
The Four Seasons: Concerto For Oboe: II. Adagio
The Four Seasons: Concerto For Oboe: III. Allegro ma non molto
The Four Seasons: Concerto For Bassoon: I. Allegro
The Four Seasons: Concerto For Bassoon: II. Largo
The Four Seasons: Concerto For Bassoon: III. Allegro
The Four Seasons: Concerto for 2 violins: I. Allegro
The Four Seasons: Concerto for 2 violins: II. Larghetto e spiritoso
The Four Seasons: Concerto for 2 violins: III. Alegro

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Vivaldi Concerto Style.......2006-10-24

The London Chamber Orchestra led by Christopher Warren-Green who also plays violin on this 2 CD offering gives the listener an excellent collection of concertos of this prolific composer.

Here one has not only the infamous Four Seasons Concerto wonderfully performed, but also concertos for single, two, three and four violins, oboe, cello, bassoon and trumpets. Personally, I truly enjoy the bassoon piece as well as the cello. Wish they would have done the delightful Cello Concerto RV 406 which is absolutely a knockout!

Average customer rating:

somewhat disappointing
A Very Good Opus 8
A Bargain and Then Some
Probably the best one on the market
Disappointing interpretation

Vivaldi: Concertos Op.8

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart: Violin Concertos
Bach: Violin Concertos
C.P.E. Bach - Hamburg Concertos / Melante Amsterdam · Bob van Asperen
Bach: Brandenburg Concertos / Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
Geminiani: Concerti Grossi (after Corelli Op 5) /AAM * Manze

ASIN: B000031WJ9
Release Date: 2000-04-11

Tracks:

Concerto No. 1 'La primavera' rv 269 in E major. E-dur. en mi majeur: I Allegro
Concerto No. 1 'La primavera' rv 269 in E major. E-dur. en mi majeur: II Largo
Concerto No. 1 'La primavera' rv 269 in E major. E-dur. en mi majeur: III Allegro
Concerto No. 2 'L'estate' rv 315 in G minor. g-moll. en sol mineur: I Allegro non molto
Concerto No. 2 'L'estate' rv 315 in G minor. g-moll. en sol mineur: II Adagio - Presto
Concerto No. 2 'L'estate' rv 315 in G minor. g-moll. en sol mineur: III Presto
Concerto No. 3 'L'autunmo' rv 293 in F major. F-dur. en fa majeur: I Allegro
Concerto No. 3 'L'autunmo' rv 293 in F major. F-dur. en fa majeur: II Adagio molto
Concerto No. 3 'L'autunmo' rv 293 in F major. F-dur. en fa majeur: III Allegro
Concerto No. 3 'L'autunmo' rv 293 in F major. F-dur. en fa majeur: I Allegro non molto
Concerto No. 3 'L'autunmo' rv 293 in F major. F-dur. en fa majeur: II Largo
Concerto No. 3 'L'autunmo' rv 293 in F major. F-dur. en fa majeur: III Allegro
Concerto No. 5 'La tempesta di mare' rv 253 in E flat major. Es-dur. en mi bemol majeur: I Presto
Concerto No. 5 'La tempesta di mare' rv 253 in E flat major. Es-dur. en mi bemol majeur: II Largo
Concerto No. 5 'La tempesta di mare' rv 253 in E flat major. Es-dur. en mi bemol majeur: III Presto
Concertos No. 6 'Il piacere' rv 180 in C major. C-dur. en ut majeur: I Allegro
Concertos No. 6 'Il piacere' rv 180 in C major. C-dur. en ut majeur: II Largo
Concertos No. 6 'Il piacere' rv 180 in C major. C-dur. en ut majeur: III Allegro
Concerto No. 7 rv 242 in D minor. d-moll. en re mineur: I Allegro
Concerto No. 7 rv 242 in D minor. d-moll. en re mineur: II Largo
Concerto No. 7 rv 242 in D minor. d-moll. en re mineur: III Allegro

Tracks:

Concertos No. 8 rv 332 in G minor. g-moll. en sol mineur: I Allegro
Concertos No. 8 rv 332 in G minor. g-moll. en sol mineur: II Largo
Concertos No. 8 rv 332 in G minor. g-moll. en sol mineur: III Allegro
Concertos No. 8 rv 332 in G minor. g-moll. en sol mineur: I Allegro
Concertos No. 8 rv 332 in G minor. g-moll. en sol mineur: II Largo
Concertos No. 8 rv 332 in G minor. g-moll. en sol mineur: III Allegro
Concerto No. 10 'La caccia' rv 362 in B flat major. B-dur. en si bemol majeur: I Allegro
Concerto No. 10 'La caccia' rv 362 in B flat major. B-dur. en si bemol majeur: II Adagio
Concerto No. 10 'La caccia' rv 362 in B flat major. B-dur. en si bemol majeur: III Allegro
Concerto No. 11 rv 210 in D major. D-dur. en re majeur: I Allegro
Concerto No. 11 rv 210 in D major. D-dur. en re majeur: II Largo
Concerto No. 11 rv 210 in D major. D-dur. en re majeur: III Allegro
Concerto No. 12 rv 178 in C major. C-dur. en ut majeur: I Allegro
Concerto No. 12 rv 178 in C major. C-dur. en ut majeur: II Largo
Concerto No. 12 rv 178 in C major. C-dur. en ut majeur: III Allegro
Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Strings rv 546 in A major. A-dur. en la majeur: I Allegro
Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Strings rv 546 in A major. A-dur. en la majeur: II Andante
Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Strings rv 546 in A major. A-dur. en la majeur: III Allegro
Concerto for two violins rv 516 in G major. G-dur. en sol majeur: I Allegro Molto
Concerto for two violins rv 516 in G major. G-dur. en sol majeur: II Andante (molto)
Concerto for two violins rv 516 in G major. G-dur. en sol majeur: III Allegro

Amazon.com

These days it's fashionable among Baroque music aficionados to say that only the young Italian groups like Il Giardino Armonico have the flair and imagination to make Vivaldi's concertos sound exciting instead of routine. Well, it isn't necessarily so. The Four Seasons is surely as overexposed as classical music can be, yet the UK-based Raglan Baroque Players and the gifted violinist Monica Huggett make enchanting and even exciting music out of it. Their playing is clean, energetic, and rhythmically supple--granted, they don't go to the astonishing extremes of tempo you sometimes hear from Rinaldo Alessandrini and Concerto Italiano, but they're a long way from "sewing-machine Baroque." Dynamics are another matter: Huggett, in particular, plays daringly softly at times--and her courage pays off, drawing a listener close as if to hear her whisper secrets. (It was brave also of Virgin's recording engineers not to pump up the volume electronically.) Along with The Four Seasons, this two-for-one budget reissue includes the other eight concertos that Vivaldi published in his collection Il cimento dell'armonia e dell'inventione ("The Contest Between Harmony and Invention"). Huggett and her colleagues play them with verve, but to these ears, at least, most of those remaining concertos don't have the same inventiveness and spark as their more famous counterparts. (Concerto No. 10, "The Hunt," is engaging, however, as are the double concertos that round out the second disc.) This release is an excellent value, although you probably shouldn't listen to it all in one sitting. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

somewhat disappointing.......2007-06-22

Monica Huggett is certainly a highly accomplished violinist, however, her & the Raglan Baroque Players vision of Vivaldi's op.8 concertos is just not to my taste. Theirs is a legitimately bouyant, lighthearted approach to this uplifting music, yet the treatment seems to be so bouyant as to be almost weightless. One of the primary culprits here? The tempi, which are invariably too fast.

It almost goes without saying that the Raglan Baroque Players are technically flawless (almost to a fault, as they seem to play too effortlessly, if such a thing can be imagined), but their approach simply does not fully communicate the spirit of Vivaldi.

A Very Good Opus 8.......2007-02-15

Some few ago I decided not to buy any more four seasons/ opus 8, but I was reminded of this CD, recorded in 1986, when looking for more Raglan Baroque recordings after being very pleased with their Locatelli Opus 1. At the price I had to have it. It follows their 1986 recording of Vivaldi's opus 9, La Cetra,(see my review), and is another excellent, even better, recording. The concertos, certainly the first 5, are very familiar and of the highest standard. There are very many recordings of the Four Seasons, but this is not just another one, its top rate. Huggett does not try to dominate the performance, she plays with Raglan Baroque, not over them, the music flows beautifully. As with opus 9, a lute has been used in the continuo, which adds a lushness to the sound, I would have liked to hear more of it. The two unpublished concertos which have been added to fill the CD are certainly worth listening to, particularly the one for two violins. I compared this recording with a 1993 one by Manze with Amsterdam Baroque and found Manze's tone a bit harsh and his playing a bit dominant. Fabio Biondi's version was based on manuscripts that showed how these works might have been played by a virtuoso of the time, they are highly ornamented and dramatic, great to listen to but difficult to compare, you love them or hate them. ( I love them in small doses)
I can highly recommend Monica Huggett and Raglan Baroque's version of Vivaldi's opus 8.

( An aside on the price; many years ago when I first started work I bought the occasional 12in LP of Beethoven etc, they cost 52% of my weekly wage, this double CD cost 3% of my weekly superanuation, and that includes overseas postage. We've never had it so good ! )

A Bargain and Then Some.......2002-06-04

If all you know of Vivaldi's "Il cimento dell'armonia e dell'inventione" are the concertos called "The Four Seasons," then you know the essential Vivaldi contained therein. Concerto No. 5, "La Tempesta di mare," known in other incarnations is pleasing, as are the interesting concertos for violin and cello and two violins. But Vivaldi lavished all his poetry on "The Four Seasons." In these performances, the poetry emerges with great verve, and both soloist and conductor lavish such care on Vivaldi's clever tone painting that it is like hearing the thrice-familiar works for the first--oh, well, let's say the second time! You hear more detail the second time around anyway, as you will here.

With fine sound and a price that is less than many a mid-price CD of "The Four Seasons" alone, this is a great bargain for my money--or anybody's money, I'd guess.

Probably the best one on the market.......2000-09-27

I spent almost a year trying to track this CD down, before this 2 disc dirt cheap re-release. Wish I'd waited longer, as I ended up with a single disc instead of the full Op. 8. It was worth the effort though, as this is an incredible interpretation of an over-heard work. While I personally find much of Il Giardino Armonico's (now out of print) performance to be absolutely incredible, The Raglan Baroque and Monica Huggett perform a more subdued, but almost as equally stunning rendition. I think the manner in which they play with rhythm is particularly engaging, and often quite subtle.

This release does not contain the all-important poetry that accompanies the four seasons, which is unfortunate. Track down those words because they really enrich your experience with the music, and Huggett's performance in particular. You can hear that she was paying attention to these words, and to the specifically programmatic nature of these works. This attention to detail comes through and speaks highly of the performances throughout. The liner notes do not list the players, either, but Kraemer uses an archlute for continuo. The recording was made in 1988, and apparently was the first one to do so.

For a solid, more traditional performance, I'd recommend Pinnock and The English Concert. If you can, track down the Il Giardino Armonico performance (on Teldec), but otherwise pick up this great bargain.

Disappointing interpretation.......2000-08-11

I was very disappointed by this recording of "Il cimento dell'armonia e dell'invenzione" because Nicholas Kraemer gave a romantic interpretation to these concertos, in particular to the four seasons. Sometimes in the solo passages the tempo becomes slower than in the "tutti" : THESE CHANGEMENTS ARE NOT MARKED BY VIVALDI (I can say it because I have the full score of these concertos). However Monica Huggett (the solo violin) and the orchestra are very good.

Average customer rating:

Set Your Life to Music

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
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Set Your Life to Music: For the Times of Your Life
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ASIN: B00000HXJ2
Release Date: 1999-01-26

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 2 In F Minor, Op. 21: Larghetto - Chopin and Champagne
Nocturne No. 5 In F-Sharp, Op. 15 No. 2 - Chopin and Champagne
Berceuse In D-Flat, Op. 57 - Chopin and Champagne
Nocturne No. 2 In E-Flat, Op. 9 No. 2 - Chopin and Champagne
Waltz No. 9 In A-Flat, Op. 69 No. 1('Farewell') - Chopin and Champagne
Prelude No. 7 In A, Op. 28 ('Les Sylphides') - Chopin and Champagne
Nocturne No. 1 In B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No. 1 - Chopin and Champagne
Prelude No. 4 In E-Minor, Op. 28 - Chopin and Champagne
Andante Spianato In E-Flat, Op. 22 - Chopin and Champagne
Nocturne No. 21 In C Minor, Op. Posth. - Chopin and Champagne
Nocturne No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor, Op. Posth. - Chopin and Champagne
Nocturne No. 8 In D-Flat, Op. 27 No. 2 - Chopin and Champagne
Piano Concerto No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 11: Romance (Larghetto) - Chopin and Champagne

Tracks:

Vocalise For Orchestra - Various Artists
Rhapsody On A Theme by - Paganini - 18th Variation (excerpt): Rhapsody On A Theme by Paganini - 18th Variation (excerpt) - Various Artists
Symphony No. 2 In E Minor: Adagio - Various Artists
Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor: Adagio sostenuto - Various Artists
Prelude In D - Various Artists
Piano Concerto No. 3 In D Minor: Intermezzo (Adagio) - Various Artists
Symphonic Dance: I. Non allegro (Excerpt) - Various Artists
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F-Sharp Minor: Andante - Various Artists
Prelude In E-flat - Various Artists
Piano Concerto No.4 In G Minor: Largo - Various Artists
Piano Concerto No. 2 In C Minor: Allegro scherzando (Excerpt) - Various Artists

Tracks:

The Four Seasons (Winter): Largo
Guitar Concerto in D: Largo
Flute Concerto In D (II gardellino): Cantabile
Concerto In C For Diverse Instruments: Andante molto
String Concerto in G minor: Andante molto
Concerto in D for 2 violins & 2 cellos: Largo
Oboe & Violin Concerto in G minor: Larghetto
Guitar Concerto In A Minor ('L'estro armonico'): Largo
Triple Violin Concerto in F: Andante
Flute Concerto No. 5 In F: Andante
Viola d'amore Concerto in D minor: Largo
Violin Concerto in E (II riposo): Allegro
Oboe & Bassoon Concerto in G: Largo
Violin Concerto No. 6 in B-flat: Largo
Concerto in A for Guitar, Violin, Viola & Cello: Larghetto
Violin Concerto in E (L'amoroso): Allegro
Flute Concerto No.4 in G: Largo
Violin Concerto in A (with echo violin): Largo
Violin Concerto in C minor (II sospetto): Andante
Double Oboe Concerto in A minor: Largo
Concerto in G minor for the Dresden Orchestra: Largo non molto
Violin Concerto in A minor: Largo
Oboe Concerto In C: Adagio
Flue Concerto No.2 in G minor (La notte): Il sonno (Largo)

Average customer rating:

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons & Concerti

Manufacturer: EMI Special Products
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005Y8ND
Release Date: 1998-05-26

Tracks:

I: Allegro - Sir Yehudi Menuhin
II: Largo - Sir Yehudi Menuhin
III: Allegro - Sir Yehudi Menuhin
I: Allegro - Sir Yehudi Menuhin
II: Adagio - Sir Yehudi Menuhin
III: Presto - Sir Yehudi Menuhin
I: Allegro - Sir Yehudi Menuhin
II: Adagio Molto - Sir Yehudi Menuhin
III: Allegro - Sir Yehudi Menuhin
I: Allegro Non Molto - Sir Yehudi Menuhin
II: Largo - Sir Yehudi Menuhin
III: Allegro - Sir Yehudi Menuhin
I: Allegro - Adagio Spiccato E Tutti - Allegro - Alberto Lysy
II: Largo E Spiccato - Alberto Lysy
III: Allegro - Alberto Lysy
I: Allegro - Alberto Lysy
II: Largo - Alberto Lysy
III: Allegro - Alberto Lysy
I: Allegro - Alberto Lysy
II: Largo E Spiccato - Alberto Lysy
III: Allegro - Alberto Lysy

Vivaldi: Le Quattro Stagioni; Concertos, RV 548 & 516

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Vivaldi: Le Quattro Stagioni; Concertos, RV 548 & 516

Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000B09Z0
Release Date: 2004-02-18

Tracks:

Concerto For Violin And Strings In E, Op.8, No.1, R.269 "La Primavera" - Allegro
Concerto For Violin And Strings In E, Op.8, No.1, R.269 "La Primavera" - Largo
Concerto For Violin And Strings In E, Op.8, No.1, R.269 "La Primavera" - Allegro
Concerto For Violin And Strings In G Minor "L'estate" - Allegro Non Molto - All
Concerto For Violin And Strings In G Minor - Adagio - Presto - Adagio
Concerto For Violin And Strings In G Minor - Presto (Tempo Impetuoso D'estate)
Concerto For Violin And Strings In F, Op.8 "L'autunno" - Allegro (Ballo, E Canto
Concerto For Violin And Strings In F - Adagio Molto (Ubriachi Dormienti)
Concerto For Violin And Strings In F - Allegro (La Caccia)
Concerto For Violin And Strings In F Minor, Op.8 "L'inverno" - Allegro Non Molto
Concerto For Violin And Strings In F Minor - Largo
Concerto For Violin And Strings In F Minor - Allegro
Concerto For Oboe, Violin, Strings And Continuo In B Flat, R.548 - (Allegro)
Concerto For Oboe, Violin, Strings And Continuo In B Flat - Largo
Concerto For Oboe, Violin, Strings And Continuo In B Flat - Allegro
Concerto For 2 Violins, Strings And Continuo In G Major, R. 516 - Allegro Molto
Concerto For 2 Violins, Strings And Continuo In G Major - Andante (Molto)
Concerto For 2 Violins, Strings And Continuo In G Major - Allegro

Album Details

The Originals series.

Average customer rating:

The Red Priest how he should be played
Splendid selection, great performances

Mad about Vivaldi

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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Mad About Bach
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Mad about Chopin

ASIN: B000001GKW
Release Date: 1993-08-10

Tracks:

The Four Seasons - Spring: Allegro
The Four Seasons - Spring: Largo
The Four Seasons - Summer: Presto
The Four Seasons - Autumn: Allegro
The Four Seasons - Winter: Largo
The Four Seasons - Winter: Allegro
Concerto For 2 Trumpets In C: Allegro
Concerto For 2 Trumpets In C: Largo
Concerto For 2 Trumpets In C: (Allegro)
Guitar Concerto In C: Allegro
Guitar Concerto In C: Largo
Guitar Concerto In C: (Allegro)
Flute Concerto No. 3 In D ('The Bullfich'): Allegro
Flute Concerto No. 3 In D ('The Bullfich'): (no tempo indication)
Flute Concerto No. 3 In D ('The Bullfich'): Allegro
Flute Concerto No. 3 In D ('The Bullfich'): Gloria - Gloria in excelsis Deo
Lute Concerto in D: (Allegro giusto)
Lute Concerto in D: Largo
Lute Concerto in D: Allegro
Concerto For 2 Mandolins In G: Allegro molto
Concerto For 2 Mandolins In G: Andante
Concerto For 2 Mandolins In G: Allegro
Concerto For Diverse Instruments In C: Allegro molto
Concerto For Diverse Instruments In C: Andante molto
Concerto For Diverse Instruments In C: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

The Red Priest how he should be played.......2000-12-03

I was given this CD many years ago, and to this day it has remained my favourite. Vivaldi's beautiful simplistic melodies in the largo movements and awe-inspiring scalar variations make his music a delight to listen to. Simon Standage's energetic performance of the famous allegro from spring, and the beautifully ornamented largo from the same concerto are a terrific opening. His amazing precision while playing the extremely difficult tempo impestuoso dell'estade (presto from summer), and the charming third movement from autumn are all played as I have never heard before. Perhaps the best of all is the largo from winter, which is played so beautifully, with amazing accuracy on the trills, and few ornaments to keep it sweetly simplistic are all true signs of genius.

The flute concerto is a great choice to contrast the preceeding trumpet concerto's strength with the delicacy of a bird - a bullfinch if you please. Not to confuse delicacy with weakness, however. This piece is strong in its own right, within the arpeggios in the first movement and the mournful calling in the second are very powerful, but fightly and bird-like. The tone quality of the flautist, and the composer's own ability to mimic nature with a musical instrument make this piece a pleasure to listen to.

The mandolin and lute concerti are beautiful as well, and they show Vivaldi's versatility on all instruments perfectly. They sound as if they are written by a guitarist, not a violin virtuoso. Listening to this you feel as if you were being serenaded by a Venetian gondelier. The largos are soothing and relaxing, and the allegros are bright and energetic.

This recording does the Red Priest the full justice he deserves. His tremendous talent comes through, and complimented by the talent of the performers make this CD a worthy addition to anyone's collection, and I would highly reccomend you buy it.

Splendid selection, great performances.......2000-05-29

An excellent CD. Under the baton of Trevor Pinnock, the English Concert gives the best performance of the Four Seasons that I have ever heard...so alive and vibrant, the violins really "sing"! You only get part of this stunning Four Seasons and the opening of the Gloria(great singing and perfect tempo), but all of the other selections are the complete work. And what a glorious selection it is. I love the two guitar concertos(the Lute Concerto is played on guitar here). This CD really brings together one of the leading period instruments ensembles to perform Vivaldi(The English Concert) and one of the leading modern instruments ensembles(Academy of St. Martin in the Fields), so that you get both perspectives on this music. The "Bullfinch" Flute Concerto(played on "transverse" flute here) is particularly charming. A magnificent album. Go Mad About Vivaldi!