Concerti per liuto e mandolino is one of Antonio Vivaldi’s lesser played works, this may be because of the complexity orchestras try to build into it, and had been considered unplayable by many for a time. I had been unable to get hold of the version I wanted for quite some time and eventually it was bought as a gift for me :o)
Unlike the Four Seasons this is not the stuff that muzac is made from although, as with much of Vivaldi’s work, you can hear strains of popular music in it, funnily enough someone thought I was playing the theme music from ‘Only when I laugh’ and I have to admit, that in parts, it sounds like a direct lift.
The music is from Das Alte Werk library and is played on period instruments using the techniques of the day, this is probably why this recording is so good to listen to. The insert in the CD tells us that although ‘playing on original instruments is nothing out of the ordinary in Germany, England or the Benelux countries, the musicians of Il Giardino Armonico have done pioneering work in Italy.’
This freshness of approach certainly comes across in the performances and makes the music very absorbing indeed. Although all the CD is high class the Concerto in G major for two mandolins and strings is without doubt the highlight of a very high standard performance, this features Duilio Galfetti and Wolfgang Paul on mandolins (the mandolins were made in Milan in 1792)
The insert contains much information on the musicians and their instruments as well as giving some history of Das Alte Werk.
At £25 this CD is not the cheapest and you will probably have to order it, but when you consider you would pay more than that to hear Il Giardino Armonico play it once, the value is really outstanding. All in all this CD is a must for anyone who likes Vivaldi’s style of music or for anyone who enjoys hearing fine instruments played well.
Run time=64m 46sec Label Teldec CD number 4509-91182-2
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