Starting from the first track, I was instantly astounded. The Sinfonia in C is such an exciting piece; the first movement full of sparks of brilliance -from crisp violin lines to the pounding basso continuo rythym.
This group of baroque masters can portray so much movement and emotion through concertos such as the g minor 157 and 156 while still amusing the listener through excellent, authentic baroque playing.
Throughout this whole performance of 12 concerti and sinfonie, the listener might as well believe that they have been teleported to 18th century Italy, watching Vivaldi's virtuosos of his Ospedale della Pieta (an orphanage where Vivaldi spent a majority of his life, transforming orphan girls into virtuosa violinists).
Yes, Vivaldi must be rejoicing in his grave. I'm sure he rarely does. The Venice Baroque Orchestra's performance of these twelve pieces strongly puts themselves in a very high tier of recordings. Hundreds and hundreds of Vivaldi recordings have been recorded. This particular CD deserves special attention not only to the baroque lover but also to the general music listener.
I guarantee that the listener will grow to appreciate baroque music, Vivaldi music in this case, so much that they'd be willing to listen to more recordings by this orchestra under the direction of Andrea Marcon.
Look, the other three reviews gave them 5 stars too.
I'm just another listener who, just like the other three, is so grateful to have the opportunity to listen to such a fine group of musicians who strongly give Vivaldi a distinguish style, so unique from the rest of the baroque composers of his time.
What a treasure.
Yes, the Venice Baroque Orchestra has brought Vivaldi's spirit alive."
Vivacious Vivaldi
David S. Roberts | Philadelphia, PA USA | 11/05/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a pleasing selection of Vivaldi pieces for strings that are not heard often. They are played with taste, style and verve. Very refreshing."
Concerti & Sinfonie Per Archiv
J. Dupont Jr. | 08/09/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"36 tracks of beautiful music. At times, Vivaldi's concertos can sound similar to each other. The conducting style is rich and vibrant. It's worth getting as a companion piece to the previous Vivaldi release from DG by Giuliano Carmignola."
Accurate Feedback
Edmund V. Faggioli | 08/27/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's musical extravaganza! This is the art of classical music. Anyone who enjoys the finer work of Vivaldi, this is it! The Italian Influence, it's in there! This CD backed up everything it boasted on the listening samples. This audio recording is among the finest I ever heard. It has the fewest unwanted clicks, bangs, and more subtitle breaths. The audio has a very detailed and clear high middle range and the bass remains perfectly natural and full sounding when you turn it up a little on a good system, because of the recording process. It's another winning recording of Emil Berliner Studios whose Germans seem to be putting out some of the top modern recordings, with this Archiv Label.
Vivaldi's work is mixture of very relaxing and very adventurous rolling music resulting in the best of both worlds. The contrast makes for greater entertainment and a full display of his artful style. I can picture traveling though the rolling hills of Tuscany with this in the car, making for a unique experience.
This performance amazes me how accurate and perfectly accented the artists were able to perform this masterpiece. I believe the final product has superseded all other recordings and performances, including the English, Americans, the Germans, and all performances I have ever experienced.
The Venice Baroque Orchestra, apparently conducted by Adrea Marcon has taken an art and turned it into an award worthy production.
Vivaldi, the producer of more then 200 works for the violin has, at times like this, superseded the work of beloved Mozart.
My 5 stars are few and far between. This CD holds it own and earned my 5 stars. But be careful, the tracks are brief and this full 58 minute CD will unfortunately be over when it seems that they are just getting started. Get the food, grape juice, and be thirsty for a musical extravaganza!"
LOVE IT!!!
L. Jantzi | 01/11/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a wonderful CD, full of joyful, fun-filled music! Great mood lifter!!! A Vivaldi must have!!!