Advantages: Gorgeous music, played with much passion Disadvantages: None really
the first-class playing from the orchestra - not to say that it doesn't sound great in the other 2 concerti - but here the woodwind are particularly at the forefront of the scoring and there is some beautiful playing in particular from the 1st oboe and 1st clarinet. As to be expected Alban Gerhardt plays with great expressiveness and also drama when required. He isn't afraid to dig into the string for a big sound and I personally like that forthright style of playing though some more sensitive souls might feel it almost borders on aggressiveness.
The intricate dialogue between orchestra and solo cello is especially strong in this piece and I love the way in which there is never a feeling that the band are having to be forcibly held back by Kalmar, rather that there's a natural understanding between them - hard to explain but it is easy ...
Advantages: Fresh and enthusiastic rendition of a great classic Disadvantages: May have to be ordered
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 ...
