Why on earth has yet ANOTHER recording of the Four Seasons been released? That's what I asked myself when this advance copy of Giuliano Carmignola and the Venice Baroque Orchestra playing Vivaldi's best-known work arrived. (Released 18th September 2000)
Firstly, this recording has not only the Seasons, but also premiere recordings of three other Vivaldi Violin Concertos - RV257 in Eb, RV376 in Bb and RV211 in D. Secondly, Carmignola was given access to the original manuscripts of the Seasons and has corrected the errors commonly found in the performing scores. Thirdly, this is absolutely the best recording in recent years.
The sound is crisp and bright and very 'live' - if you turn the sound up high enough you can hear the players breathing in sympathy with the music. Carmignola plays like one inspired by Vivaldi himself - the Presto from 'Summer' has energy crackling through it as brightly as the lightning it represents.
The three 'new' concertos are typical Vivaldi - the music all sounds very familiar, but again, the playing is phenomonal.
Sony are to be congratulated for finding and signing this new combination, in my opinion the most exciting new Baroque violinist since Andrew Manze.
If you've got a recording of the Four Seasons already, throw it away and buy this one instead.
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