Concerto Per Vivaldi [Live] [Import]

1. Autunno

2. Iverno

3. Estro Armonico

4. Piacere

5. Cetra

6. Primavera

7. Cimento Dell' Armonia

8. Estaté

9. Stravaganza

Tracks:

An Untold Story: Assaggio No.1 In G Minor - Johann Helmich Roman
The Legend Of Casanova: Tambourins I/II From Daro - Jean-Philippe Rameau
I Yield To Love: Cello Concerto No.3 In D Minor - Leonardo Leo
Eternal Damnation: Overture From Les Fetes De Polymnie/Overture From Platee/Overture From Zoroastre - Jean-Philippe Rameau
The Doge's Decree: Concerto In C Major - Antonio Vivaldi
A Venetian Virgin - Alexandre Desplat
San Cremori At Dawn: Concerto In C Major For Harpsicord And Strings - Giovanni Paisiello
A Lover's Duel: Overture From La Madrilena - Vicente Martin Y Soler
A Terrible Mistake: Concerto A 5, Op.9, No.4 - Tomaso Albinoni
A Secret Lover?: Sinfonia From The Opera Farnace - Antonio Vivaldi
Marriage Is A Safe Haven: Concerto A 5, Op.9 No.4 - Tomaso Albinoni
Trailing Guardi: Sonata For Violin And Bassocontinuo, Op.5 No.11 In E Minor - Arcangelo Corelli
The Noble Pig: Concerto Per Quartetto No.8 - Francesco Durante
Paprizzio's Arrival: Concerto A 5, Op.9 No.2 In D Minor - Tomaso Albinoni
Inquisitor Pucci - Alexandre Desplat
: Concerto A 5, Op.9 No.4 - Tomaso Albinoni
A Big Idea: Harpsicord Concerto In B Flat Major - Francesco Durante
A Nom De Plume/Carnivale!: Concerto A 5, Op.9 No.6 In G Major/Bouree From Les Plaisirs Champetres - Tomaso Albinoni
The Plume's Nom Is Casanova! - Sonny Kompanek
Dancing At The Doge's Ball: Riguadon From Water Music Suite, No.3 In G Major/Bouree From Music For Royal Fireworks/Loure From Tafelmusik1 - George Frideric Handel
One Step Closer To Heaven: Concerto A 5, Op.9 No.4 In A Major - Tomaso Albinoni
Casanova's Confession: Sonata Op.5 No.7 In D Minor - Arcangelo Corelli
The Hanging: Violin Concerto 'Il Cimento Dell'Armonia E Dell'INvenzione' Op.8 No.11 In D Major - Antonio Vivaldi
A Great Escape: Overture From Zais/Overture From Nais/Overture From Achante Et Cephise Ou La Sympathie - Jean-Philippe Rameau
My Place Is With Casanova: Overture From Le Temple De La Gloire/Overture From Zais/Sonata For Violin And Bassocontinuo, Op.5 No.7 In D Minor - Arcangelo Corelli
All's Well...:Concerto A 5, Op.9 No.4 In A Major - Tomaso Albinoni

Amazon.com

The action in this tale about the 18th century adventurer and (at least in popular lore) seducer is set in Cassanova's native Venice in the mid-1700s, so it makes sense that the soundtrack would be loaded with Baroque pieces. The Venice-based Tomaso Albinoni is featured prominentaly, along with heavyweights such as Antonio Vivaldi, Jean-Baptiste Rameau, and George Frideric Handel, and lesser-known composers such as Arcangelo Corelli, Francesco Durante, and Alexandre Desplat. Er, actually Desplat is a contemporary French film composer who also released his score for the couldn't-be-more-different Syriana shortly after Casanova came out. Of the two pieces he penned here, "A Venetian Virgin" is in pure Baroque style, while "Inquisitor Pucci" betrays a more modern film-music vibe. Meanwhile, orchestrator Sonny Kompanek rearranged a couple of the tracks and authored the tense "The Plume's Nom Is Casanova," which doesn't sound embarrassing sandwiched between pieces by Albinoni and Handel. Overall, it would have been nice to get longer excerpts from the pieces--many feel chopped into too-small fragments--but the music's innate grace and elegance can't be beat for a period film. Or for any film, really: Vivaldi's Concerto in C Major ("The Doge's Decree") will be familiar to buffs, who will remember it featuring prominently in the Dustin Hoffman-¬Meryl Streep showdown Kramer vs. Kramer back in 1979. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Sheer Beauty for the Ears.......2006-07-25

For those that purchased this CD, I need not get into how masterfully infectious the movie was. After the first viewing, I found it charming, but after the second, I was hooked by the witty, clever story holding fun twists all along the way. So while I could go on and on about the movie and all of its wonderful aspects, the score was simply priceless. Apt in every scene, and all done with incredible baroque music that I had never had the opportunity of hearing before the film.

The disc walks you through the movie with no changes that I could tell from the original score. The only omission I found was that the song dubbed "Casanova's Theme" is played in much greater length in the closing credits, and that didn't seem to make it to the CD. Not a terrible loss.

Authenticity can sound great as well!.......2006-07-11

As an avid baroque music listener and performer, I can attest to the delightfully pleasing performances on the soundtrack as well as the painstakingly accurate performance practices utilized in the recording of this soundtrack.

The producers of this film fortunately went to the trouble of hiring some of the top period performance musician-specialists in the country (perhaps in the entire world) to record the soundtrack to Casanova. I know, because several of them were faculty members of the Oberlin Conservatory Baroque Performance Institute who went AWOL to Hollywood in June 2005 for the recording sessions. We all forgave them, and were actually quite excited that period music performance was having its day on the silver screen.

Do not miss this exquisite potpourri of wonderful baroque composers' works performed as closely as humanly possible to the way that they heard their works during their lifetimes! The film may not have been intended to be historically accurate (part of the fun), but the music certainly ended up that way. Not only that, but it sounds heavenly (unlike Casanova's antics) and up-to-date, not musty and old as if it were sealed in a museum case.

a little world of baroque sound.......2006-02-26

Lots of interesting baroque music unknown to me and
put together in dramatic sequences that add zest and
class to the listening experience. Also wonderful to
play in auto while driving thru boring country or in
slow moving traffic!
This CD will get a lot of play from me.
5 Stars!

Wonderful relaxing music........2006-02-25

Saw the movie and had to have the soundtrack. Great music to relax by. When you need to get away from the cares of the day the classics can't be beat. The producers of this movie certainly chose wonderful music to accompany it.

-.......2006-02-18

Good music but each is too short.
The original version of each may be better.

Essential Vivaldi: 20 Greatest Masterpieces

Average customer rating:

Well Done Collection of Vivaldi Concertos

Essential Vivaldi: 20 Greatest Masterpieces

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000068C7Y
Release Date: 2002-06-11

Tracks:

I. Allegro - Silvia Ochi
II. Largo - Silvia Ochi
III. Allegro - Silvia Ochi
I. Allegro Giusto - Pepe Romero
II. Largo - Pepe Romero
III. Allegro - Pepe Romero
I. Allegro - Patrick Gallois
II. Without Tempo Indication - Patrick Gallois
III. Allegro - Patrick Gallois
I. Allegro - Maurice Andre
II. Largo - Maurice Andre
III. Allegro - Maurice Andre
I. Allegro - James Tyler
II. Andante - James Tyler
III. Allegro - James Tyler
I. Allegro - Salvatore Accardo
II. Largo - Salvatore Accardo
III. Allegro - Salvatore Accardo
I. Presto - The English Concert
II. Adagio - The English Concert
III. Allegro - The English Concert
I. Allegro - Anner Bylsma
I. Gloris In Excelsis Deo - Regensburger Domspatzen
VII. Domine Fili Unigenite - Regensburger Domspatzen
XII. Cum Sancto Spiritu - Regensburger Domspatzen

Tracks:

I. Allegro - Alan Loveday
II. Largo - Alan Loveday
III. Allegro - Alan Loveday
I. Allegro Non Molto - Alan Loveday
II. Adagio-Presto - Alan Loveday
III. Presto - Alan Loveday
I. Allegro - Alan Loveday
II. Adagio Molto - Alan Loveday
III. Allegro - Alan Loveday
I. Allegro Non Molto - Alan Loveday
II. Largo - Alan Loveday
III. Allegro - Alan Loveday
III. Allegro - Pina Carmirelli
I. Allegro-Adagio-Allegro - I Musici
II. Andante Molto - I Musici
I. Allegro - Simon Standage
II. Cantabile - Simon Standage
III. Allegro - Simon Standage
II. Largo - Lisa Beznosiuk
I. Allegro (Moderato) - Heinz Holliger
II. Largo - Heinz Holliger
III. Allegro - Heinz Holliger
II. Largo Non Molto - Franco Gulli

Customer Reviews:

Well Done Collection of Vivaldi Concertos.......2006-10-21

Looking for an inexpensive but well done Vivaldi concerto collection? One that includes the Four Seasons? One that has concertos for seven instruments? One that has three beautiful choral pieces? One that includes likes of such greats as Pepe Romero, Academny of St.Martin inthe Fields, Heinz Holliger among others?

This is it then. Especially enjoy the mandolin concertos (two of them here) and the Two Cellos, as well as Holliger in Oboe work. Also, the Cum Sancto Spiritu is powerful and shows range of this tireless composer who influenced so many and still does. This is nice for someone looking to add a litte Vivaldi to their playing collection. Sheer enjoyment!

Average customer rating:

Music for a historical event
What elegance and grace is contained here
Diversity is your best bet
Just sublime
Great Music as expected from Andrew Manze

Concert for the Prince of Poland
Vivaldi , Manze , and Academy of Ancient Music
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Vivaldi - Il cimento dell'armonia e dell'inventione / Europa Galante, Biondi

ASIN: B00006644L
Release Date: 2002-07-09

Tracks:

Sinfonia in G major: Allegro molto
Sinfonia in G major: Andante
Sinfonia in G major: Allegro
Violin Concerto in E-flat major: Presto
Violin Concerto in E-flat major: Largo
Violin Concerto in E-flat major: Presto
Concerto in D minor: Allegro
Concerto in D minor: Largo
Concerto in D minor: Allegro
Concerto in A major: Allegro
Concerto in A major: Larghetto
Concerto in A major: Allegro
Violin Concerto in C major: Allegro
Violin Concerto in C major: Largo e cantabile
Violin Concerto in C major: Allegro
Concerto in C major: Allegro molto
Concerto in C major: Andante
Concerto in C major: Allegro

Amazon.com

Here, at a bargain price, is a real treat: the lively, elegant, musically alert Andrew Manze leading and playing a handful of wonderful Vivaldi concerti preceded by a little Sinfonia. The concerti, all backed up by the usual strings, are for various combinations of instruments. Two are straight violin concerti (playful and bright). One is for violin and three echo violins that repeat what the lead violin has done, but at a distance from the other performers (very entertaining). The most beautiful is for lute and viola d'amore (a gentle, dark texture). The CD ends with one scored for recorders, chalumeaux, mandolins, therobos, cello, and special violins, which is a riot of sound, with a particularly jaunty first movement. The disc's title refers to a visit to Venice in 1740 by Frederick Christian, the Prince Elector of Saxony, during which Vivaldi's music was performed. He was a lucky prince, and we're lucky to have this CD. As usual, Manze and the Academy of Ancient Music are superb. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Music for a historical event.......2007-01-13

Most Vivaldi recordings contain programs selected either by the medium (all bassoon concertos, for example) or by the opus number (all the concertos from Opus 8). This one is utterly unique, and that fact--in addition to the splendid performances--makes it especially interesting. The CD contains music performed (and at least partly written for) a specific event in Venice--a visit by Prince Frederick Christian, the son of the King of Poland. He was known to be very interested in music, so 3 special concerts were offered during his visit. One of these, on March 21, 1740, was organized and directed by Vivaldi.
The evening's program included a vocal piece--a serenata called "The Chorus of Muses" by the great playwright Carlo Goldoni--with its sections introduced by four concertos composed by Vivaldi. (The music of the serenata is lost, and even the name of the composer is unknown.)
Vivaldi's contribution to the evening was commissioned by the Pietà, the orphanage whose all-female orchestra he had made famous earlier in his career. These concertos may very well be his last works, because soon after the festive performance, he moved to Vienna, where he died in poverty the following year.
So listening to this recording not only lets us hear fine performances of some late Vivaldi works (still amazing for the variety of scoring and compositional approaches after having composed so much music over so many years), but it also transports us, in a kind of musical time machine, to a period and lifestyle that has certainly disappeared in the last 250 years. We know from his diary that the Prince particularly enjoyed one "echo" concerto (in which several instruments were seated at a distance for special echo effects).
It is an unusual and delightful way to encounter Vivaldi.

What elegance and grace is contained here.......2005-10-12

The Academy of Ancient Music has done a wonderful job with this CD of the 4 Concertos written by Vivaldi in honor of the vist of Prince Frederick Christian, Prince of Poland, to Venice. The works were spread out over several evenings so that they could be enjoyed by the illustrious guests. The Academy of Ancient Music does a superb job with this collection of music that required use of instruments rarely used today.

Sinfonia in G major dazzles us with joyful pomp. The third movement echoes the Autumn section of the Four Seasons by capturing the sound of the harvest folk dance.

Violin Concerto in E-flat major is incredibly well constructed, almost mathematical in composition, with passages building one upon the other. The first movement builds gradually but the third movement slips and slides like children in a playground.

Concerto in D minor has courtly beinnings. Like much of Vivaldi, the violins sometimes are allowed to take the foreground with a somewhat rustic power, yet they are usually balanced by the pure elegance of the other instruments and melodies that echo with intensity. The lute accompanies the violin and other string instruments with its Renaissance sound. Lute strings individually plucked slow the piece and increase the intensity of anticipation in the second movement.

In Concerto in A major, Vivaldi uses violins with three echo violins. In the CD program they explain that when this piece was played for the Polish Prince, the primary violinist was visible but that they echo violinists were hidden around the concert hall, which I can only guess was a delightful and playful game to play with the listening audience of the time. In this concerto, the violins sound so birdlike as they echo each other's songs back and forth. In the final movement, Allegro, the violins boldly and sweetly play their echo game, no longer playing birds but mellowing into instruments of joy.

In Violin Concerto in C Major we hear graceful refrains that build like the Spring section of the Four Seasons.

In the Concerto in C Major we hear the finest piece on the whole CD in terms of complexity and orchestration. The recorder is used along with instruments called chalumeaux and theorbos. The grand march sound of the Allegro molto subsides long enough to hear the wonderful wind instruments complimented by mandolins, giving a delightful break from the violins. I think this concerto is my favorite on the CD, with the warm sounds of rare instruments permeating the piece.Yet, how can one pick a favorite from this wonderful collection of music.

Vivaldi is so elegant, so graceful and balanced. I love his music because it puts demands only on my ear the way Matisse puts demands only on my eyes. He transports me.

Diversity is your best bet.......2005-09-03

The final work on this superb CD is one of Vivaldi's true masterworks. Like his incredibly famous Four Seasons, this work has true inspiration and a sound that is second to none. This Concerto in C is written for an astonishing array of diverse instruments. My favorite is the one that sounds just like a clarinet, although the clarinet, as we know it today, was not invented until decades later. This is a work that musicians just seem to absolutely adore. This is my third recording of this piece and in each case the performance has had amazing enthusiasm. It is a work that should be in everybody's library. Unless you have a strong dislike for the baroque or Vivaldi, you should enjoy this music. The rest of the music here is standard Vivaldi. It is interesting and has wonderful sounds, but not really inspired. However, at the budget price, the CD is well worth the money for the one masterpiece it has.

Just sublime.......2004-11-05

I bought this fantastic CD over a year ago and it became my most cherished 'Classics' possession. Then thieves broke in to my home and stole it along with many others. I've finally had it replaced by the insurance company, and am now revisting the beautiful sounds of this program. Superb playing, great collection of works, and the usual sublime recording quality from a HM production. This has to be one of the essential Vivaldi recordings, especially valued given the lower price.

Great Music as expected from Andrew Manze.......2003-06-23

Andrew Manze and the Academy of Ancient Music
again in this recording doing a wonderful job
the performances are splendid, the acoustics
are also wonderful. The Academy of Ancient Music
plays with clarity. Indeed, with this recording
the music of Vivaldi reached perfection!
Highly recomended!

Vivaldi: Violin Concertos (La Tempesta di Mare)

Average customer rating:

HOT RECORDING
lively vivaldi
Do you really like waiting ? Aimez-vous attendre"l'eco" ?
Biondi rulez...
Vibrant Vivaldi

Vivaldi: Violin Concertos (La Tempesta di Mare)
Antonio Vivaldi , Europa Galante , and Fabio Biondi
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004SRG3
Release Date: 2000-06-27

Tracks:

Con in D, RV 234 'L'inquietudine': I. Allegro Molto
Con in D, RV 234 'L'inquietudine': II. Largo
Con in D, RV 234 'L'inquietudine': III. Allegro
Con in B flat, RV 579 'Concerto Funebre': I. Largo
Con in B flat, RV 579 'Concerto Funebre': II. Allegro Poco Poco
Con in B flat, RV 579 'Concerto Funebre': III. Adagio
Con in B flat, RV 579 'Concerto Funebre': IV. Allegro
Con in F, RV 570 'La Tempesta Di Mare': I. Allegro
Con in F, RV 570 'La Tempesta Di Mare': II. Largo
Con in F, RV 570 'La Tempesta Di Mare': III. Presto
Con in g, RV 439 'La Notte': I. Largo
Con in g, RV 439 'La Notte': II. Presto (Fantasmi)
Con in g, RV 439 'La Notte': III. Largo
Con in g, RV 439 'La Notte': IV. Presto
Con in g, RV 439 'La Notte': V. Largo (Il Sonno)
Con in g, RV 439 'La Notte': VI. Allegro
Con in A, RV 552 'Per Eco In Lontano': I. Allegro
Con in A, RV 552 'Per Eco In Lontano': II. Larghetto
Con in A, RV 552 'Per Eco In Lontano': III. Allegro
Con in E, RV 270 'Il Riposo - Per Il Natale': I. Allegro
Con in E, RV 270 'Il Riposo - Per Il Natale': II. Adagio
Con in E, RV 270 'Il Riposo - Per Il Natale': III. Allegro
Con in g, RV 531: I. Allegro
Con in g, RV 531: II. Largo
Con in g, RV 531: III. Allegro

Amazon.com

You say your favorite Vivaldi passage is the Four Seasons summer storm? Well, here's a disc for you. Fabio Biondi and the Europa Galante (known to many for their bestselling Seasons disc) focus on concerti con titoli, the titled concertos the Red Priest wrote that are full of inventive drama and expression. Writing for his student orchestra, the composer employed plenty of creativity in his instrumentation, and, as evidenced on a few tracks here, he wasn't beyond recycling motifs from his older works. But just give this exciting disc a listen. The Concerto funebre (RV 579) is sweet, yet somber; the six-movement La notte (RV 439) is weird and ominous; and the stormy seas of La tempesta di mare really come alive in Europa Galante's hands. Biondi and his ensemble never try to steal the show from these works; they let the music speak for itself. Some period-instrument groups sound a little ragged, but this one gets it just right and delivers a knockout, taut performance. A great disc for Baroque lovers. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

HOT RECORDING.......2006-03-27

It has been said that Vivaldi's Violin Concerti can give one the impression that he wrote the same concerto about a 1000 times. Perhaps the reason for the aforesaid impression is that there are many recordings and/or performances that exhibit little imagination in the programming of the concertos or in the playing of same. In other words, they border on being rather boring with a feeling of repeativeness. This recording is the exception. Fabio Biondi and the Europa Galante in this recording perform these concertos in a "hot" and most exciting manner that made me feel that I was hearing them for the very first time. I know that the programming of the disc also had a lot to do with me not getting bored while listening to this recording. Fabio Biondi and the Europa Galante are an "original" instrumental group without even a hint of the astringency usually associated with "original" instruments. Their playing is rather sweet in the slow movements as it is certainly very vigorous in the fast movements with no "mouth puckering" bite! I really loved the concerto for two cellos; it is very richly textured and sonorous; plus Europa Galante plays it splendidly.

Believe me, I found this Vivaldi recording, for once, to be very exciting and a most enjoyable listening experience!

If you want to hear a "hot" recording of some Vivaldi at his best, buy this disc.

lively vivaldi.......2005-11-09

I'm not a baroque expert as some of the other reviewers seem to be. I do listen to a lot of music and have heard much Vivaldi -- most frequently the Four Seasons warhorse from Opus 8. This Vivaldi is quite enjoyable, very bright and very well played, energetic and well-recorded. My personal favorite was the last work for two cellos. The slow movement is absolutely beautiful. RV 270 is also quite excellent. This is a worthwhile purchase. Sometimes when period groups play his music Vivaldi sounds mummified but not here. Recommended.

Do you really like waiting ? Aimez-vous attendre"l'eco" ?.......2003-02-22

I know Biondi and Europa Galante since they were playing on the label Opus 111. I am a great fan of Europa galante. But...I was quite disappointed when I heard this CD. Mainly because I did not find Biondi the arrogant. But he can't certainly not played like "a little electric tornado" in the "Concerto funebre". It's the same in Concerto "Per eco in lontano". I particularly hate this music with this boring echo;the same music which is repeated from " outer space". The Concerto "Il riposo.."is perfect to relax with the dog. "L'inquietude" is outstanding. Even better than the Carmignola version on Divox Antiqua (1995). "La tempesta di mare" and La Notte" are enough strange and captivating to be considered as interesting performances. But they not be compared with the fabulous interpretation of Jean-Christophe Spinosi (Ensemble Matheus-2002-Label Naive). Finally the "Concerto for 2 cellos and orchestra" has already been recorded in 1993 by Europa Galante(album "Vivaldi Concerti" (Vol.22. Opus 111)). So no great surprise for me there. A very good CD to someone who want to discover Vivaldi with talentuous musicians.

Biondi rulez..........2002-01-11

I know I have been very negative in my other reviews of Biondi-cds. Actually, I almost take it back!
He is NOT an opera-conductor, period. But he IS a brilliant violinist! His playing in the Vivaldi concertos is just outstanding. The orchestra is also amazing. I really recommends this set of concertos to anyone not familiar with the Biondi legacy!

Vibrant Vivaldi.......2001-06-12

Vivaldi is played with excitement by Europa Galante, a string and woodwind orchestra 13 strong here. Some collections of Vivaldi concertos can sound a bit monotonous, but not this carefully selected group of emotively titled short pieces. Instrumentation is varied, the playing is enthusiastic and energetic as needed, and the strings really bite in the staccato "Sea Tempest," the waves slapping hard on the boat. The 6-movement "Night" is remarkably eerie and ghostly, particularly if you can cleanse your ears of all the chromatic pieces written since and try to listen with 18th century expectations. RV 234 is full of unsettling "Apprehension" no matter what later music you have heard, displaying a harried and rapidly modulated sense of harmonic uncertainty. The brief notes with the CD are a slightly strange mixture of English and untranslated Italiano. Fresh and well worth listening closely.

Average customer rating:

Focus on the Recordings
This is a fantastic deal!
Excellent, Broad Selection
$70....when was this???
$70/40... you do the math.

Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00062FLHY
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

Focus on the Recordings.......2007-07-23

I've made this small review of the Vivaldi Masterworks set because it is SO difficult to find a review of such a big collection.

The price is killer and you HAVE to buy it, but be warned: these are not the best recordings, you get what you pay for.

First of all, I'm not a Vivaldi expert, but I've heard his compositions throughout my life in so many different places and recordings and have a vague idea of how some have to be played. Secondly, I'm not a classical music connoisseur, but I love it and have over 300 discs of various composers and styles. Third, I know what a good audio recording should sound like and this will influence my critique of some discs in the collection. Finally, it's easy to get lost among all the tracks contained, so in some cases I will give you my favorite tracks in a disc.

I'm sorry, but I've only reached disc 20 of the box-set, as I listen to more this review will be expanded.

DISC 1:
Why would you use an AAD recording as a first impression for a 40 disc box-set and for the "Four Seasons", which is probably Vivaldi's best know work. The concertos are played enthusiastically, but lack any additional virtuosity to put it ahead of other much better recordings out there.

DISC 2:
Same as DISC 1, played and recorded by the same people.

DISC 3:
The pieces in this disc are VERY well played, nonetheless, you can hear heavy breathing from the soloist which can be a bit annoying.

DISC 4:
Very well performed as well, heavy breathing is less present.

DISC 5:
A very good recording, excellent execution by the hapsichord and good by the recorder.
Tracks 4, 6, 7 and the whole "La Notte" are extraordinary.

DISC 6:
Exquisitely recorded and performed by the Budapest Strings.

DISC 7:
Marvelous performance on the whole disc.
Tracks 22 & 24 are non-plus-ultra.

DISC 8:
Great performance too.
Suggested tracks: 7, 12, 15, 24

DISC 9:
To have an original baroque organ playing is a plus.
Solo strings are lacking in quality (for example: tracks 6 & 7).
Suggested tracks: 1, 4, 8, 15

DISC 10:
Despite being and ADD recording, the quality is fairly good. The cello is very well played.
Suggested tracks: 3, 4, 12
Excellent track: 13

DISC 11:
Same musical group and soloist as DISC 10. The contrabass is extremely distorted sometimes, and if you take into consideration that this is an ADD recording, it can get pretty bad. Some background noise is perceived.
Suggested tracks: 3, 6, 9

DISC 12:
The compositions are somewhat boring, either way the performance is plain decent.
Suggested tracks: 10, 12

DISC 13:
Good performance and sound quality.
Suggested tracks: 1, 4, 6, 7
Excellent track: 12

DISC 14:
Good performance and sound quality too.
Suggested tracks: 10, 14, 16
Excellent track: 5

DISC 15:
Badly mixed, the basoon is blocking the whole ensamble by being in the foreground.
The playing precision is lacking.
An AWEFUL thing about this recording is that you can hear the basson key-sticking with the instrument and the saliva. It's horrible.
Such a pity, the sound of the basson with other instruments can be pretty interesting.

DISC 16:
Violins sound a bit off tempo.
Suggested tracks: 4, 8

DISC 17:
Good sound quality and performance.
Suggested tracks: 1, 7, 9

DISC 18:
Despite being an old recording, it is a very welcome one.
The performance is very well above par. Tempo is fantastic.
The quality of the recording could have been better due to some string plucking that is heard and which can become bothersome.
These are some of Vivaldi's best know tunes.
Suggested tracks: 4, 6, 13
Excellent tracks: 1, 3

DISC 19:
Lively recording.
Track 6 is the same piece found in another disc in the collection, but with a better performance.

DISC 20:
By now you've heard all of this pieces before in the other discs. Nothing new here, nor better.

This is a fantastic deal!.......2007-02-25

If you are a fan at all of the Four Seasons you should love this music. I will admit right now that I am a classical music fan. I don't write or perform it. I am a novice listener. I have never taken any music lessons(though I am leaning in that direction) and certainly have not gone through any university music training. I started out in rock and roll but found classical as I got older and fell in love with it a few years ago.

With that context in mind I do hope I am able to recognize quality and this work is of the highest. It helps when you are starting with good ingredients in the first place. You can't bake great bread without great ingredients and Vivaldi's music library has some of the greatest musical ingredients of the last 300 years. They are very much the foundation for modern western culture and music. His talent is woven through what we are

The first 26 CDs are instrumental starting with the four seasons and working through many of the Master's many popular works. I will admit the four seasons are not the best interpretation I have heard but it is definitely acceptable. The rest of the music shows us many facets of the Baroque style and you can see themes emerging through some of the pieces that give us a 'fingerprint' of Vivaldi's style and the parameters of the stylistic leanings of the genre at the time. If you want to immerse yourself in 18th century music this is your chance

This music would be ideal for someone who owns a store and is looking for background music. With over 26 CDs of instrumental music alone you could have those constantly looping and you'd probably never get bored of them(OK I may be stretching it a little there). The reason is that the music does not leave a bad 'aftertaste' in your mind. It fits into the background as easily and naturally as it is to listen to it consciously in the foreground. If you are a fan of classical Baroque you don't usually need to be in the mood for this, it will adjust your mood to itself and Vivaldi's music is almost always of an uplifting sort if this collection is any indication. If you want something to listen to at your job 8 hours per day this is good for the mind and it would take you over a week to get through it if you listened to it every minute of every work day. You will also work without the worry of the music distracting your concentration. I find it enhances it when I'm working. I don't know how well this would work on school kids but teachers might want to try playing this during school time. You may create a few geniuses, we certainly could use more!

If you are looking for something to ease your sleep and oil your dreams I have put these CD's on in the background. Not only can I easily fall asleep when they are playing quietly in the background but it helps you sleep and you wake up in a very pleasant atmosphere if the music is still playing quietly when you wake(you probably would need to rip them to your MP3 player to do that). It's like napping at a classical music concert without the worry of being nudged by your spouse or offending the other concert goers with your snoring. That will be quite a unique experience for you and possibly give you some real sweet dreams. It has for me

So to wrap it up this is very intelligent, uplifting music that is great for your mind and your soul. It is definitely worth the purchase if you are a fan of the Four Seasons and the Baroque genre in my novice classical music fan's opinion

Excellent, Broad Selection.......2007-01-25

This 40-cd collection affords me a rare pleasure almost daily: the thrill of hearing something new by Vivaldi. Despite my best efforts over the years, I've managed to miss hearing a lot of great works by the master. Listening to a single CD now and then, catching tunes on the radio... you can't possibly get a comprehensive understanding of Vivaldi's output that way.

But when you work your way systematically from CD 1 through 40, you're sure to find many pleasant surprises. I've been skipping through everything I already know -- in some cases, it has only taken me about a minute to get through a whole CD (first 3 seconds of each track is usually enough). But then I stop and listen carefully three or four times to anything that's new.

Ah, what a pleasure. I've already acquired some new favorites. And some old standbys have proved even more rewarding, e.g. at first I thought RV 127 (CD 7, tracks 10-12) was performed too slowly (Naxos No: 8.553742 is much faster), but now I'm not sure; maybe it's BETTER that way! I can't recommend this set highly enough.

$70....when was this???.......2006-11-25

Wish the cost was $70 now. Guess the record producer (or Amazon) got tired of making less than $2 per CD.

$70/40... you do the math........2006-04-07

No, I don't own this collection...yet. However, the price of the collection compels me to review it beforehand. Never have I seen such a complete collection of Vivaldi compositions at such an incredibly low price. At $1.75 dollars a CD, the record producer (Brilliant Classics) isn't making much of a profit. The compilation pulls some of its works from DG Achiv Produktion's vault (see Standage), such as the violin concertos, as well as from unknown producers (the Poland Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra is heavily featured). The collection is so complete that it is academic, and I would not be surprised if music libraries quickly emptied it from Amazon's shelves. The collection is simply worth it for the incredible price (English Concert's recording of the violin concertos cost nearly 30 bucks, and is exactly featured here). Overall, the price alone makes this collection exceptionally attractive, and the ensembles featured aren't bad either.

Average customer rating:

Outstanding Selection From Beginning To End
Heavenly beautiful
Celestial beauty, magnificent recording

Vivaldi Adagios

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Albinoni's Adagios
Mozart: Adagios
Baroque Adagios
Bach's Adagios
Beethoven's Adagios

ASIN: B00000J9GP
Release Date: 1999-06-15

Tracks:

The Four Seasons: Concerto No. 4 In F Minor: 'Winter' - (Largo)
The Four Seasons: Concerto No. 1 In E Major: 'Spring' - (Largo)
The Four Seasons: Concerto No. 2 In G Minor: 'Summer' - (Adagio)
The Four Seasons: Concerto No. 3 In F Major: 'Autumn' - (Adagio)
Concerto For Guitar In D Major - (Largo)
Concerto For 2 Mandolins In G Major - (Andante)
Concerto For 2 Oboes In D Minor - (Largo)
Concerto For 2 Violins & 2 Cellos In D Major - (Largo)
Concerto For Piccolo In C Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 12 In G Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 1 In B-Flat Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 2 In E Minor - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concero No. 3 In G Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 4 Iin A Minor - (Grave)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 5 In A Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 6 In G Minor - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 7 In C Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 7 In C Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 9 In F Major - (Largo)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 10 In C Minor - (Adagio)
La Stravaganza, Op. 4: Concerto No. 11 In D Major - (Largo)
Concerto For Recorder In A Minor - (Largo)
Concerto For Oboe In F Major - (Largo)
Concerto For Flute In C Minor - (Largo)
Concerto For Guitar And Viola D'Amore in D Minor - (Largo)
Concerto In A Major - (Largo)

Tracks:

Concerto For Recorder In G Minor, 'La Notte': Largo
Concerto For 2 Oboes, Bassoon, 2 Horns & Violin In F Major: Grave
Concerto For 2 Oboes, Bassoon, 2 Horns & Violin In F Major: Grave
Concerto For 2 Horns In F Major: Larghetto
Concerto For Bassoon In A Minor: Larghetto
La Cetra, Op. 9: Concerto No. 8 In D Minor - Largo
La Cetra, Op. 9: Concerto No. 9 In B-Flat Major - Largo e spiccato
La Cetra, Op. 9: Concerto No. 10 In G Major - Largo cantabile
La Cetra, Op. 9: Concerto No. 11 In C Minor - Adagio
La Cetra, Op. 9: Largo
La Cetra, Op. 9: Concerto No. 6 In A Major - Largo
La Cetra, Op. 9: Concerto No. 7 In B-Flat Major - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 5 In E-Flat Major - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 6 In C Major - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 7 in D Minor - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 8 In G Minor - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 9 In D Minor - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 10 In B-Flat Major 'La Caccia' - Adagio
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 11 In D Major - Largo
ll Cimento dell'Inventione, Op. 8: Concerto No. 12 In C Major - Largo
Concerto For 2 Cellos In G Minor: Largo
Concerto For 2 Flutes In C Major: Largo

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Selection From Beginning To End.......2005-11-13

The first CD in this 2-CD set might be sub-titled "Vivaldi's Greatest Adagio Hits" while the second CD has a wonderful compilation of adagio movements that are less well-known. The quality of the musicianship and of the recorded sound is excellent from the beginning to the end of these two CDs. I had heard all the selections on the first CD before, but the second CD had many selections that I heard for the first time. These two CDs show why Vivaldi was truly one of the greatest composers who ever lived. Every melody is wonderful and each track on these CDs flows smoothly to the next. This is a very well selected compilation of adagios that I have listened to many times with great pleasure. Very highly recommended.

Heavenly beautiful.......2004-12-09

I have got 4 CDs from the "Adagio" series of Decca (Violin, movie, piano, Vivaldi). All of them are beautiful. But this one is absolutely my most favorite. I listened it again and again in the sunny weekend mornings or in the tranquil nights, I listened it when I was reading, strolling on line or just before sleeping. It is so beautiful, I did enjoyed every movement from it.

Celestial beauty, magnificent recording.......2000-09-01

Although no longer a professional musician, I listen to classical music constantly, and unlike many of my former colleagues, I greatly enjoy listening to collections of movements from different pieces. Some of these collections work better than others, and having listened multiple times to all of the Adagio collections available, I am extremely fond of the Vivaldi. Some of the pieces are familiar, many are not, and that is part of the charm of this set. Vivaldi is a great melodist, and these tranquil pieces will transport you. Buy this set--you will listen to it again and again.

Average customer rating:

Finally, Fast Enough!!!!
Study in Color
Vivaldi and Europa Galante Make a Joyful Noise
Who says baroque stuff can't be electrifying?
- Biondi is still surprising- Grâce à Pisendel

Vivaldi: Concerti per mandolini
Antonio Vivaldi , Fabio Biondi , and Europa Galante
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

Vivaldi: Concerti con molti strumenti, Vol. 2
Vivaldi: Violin Concertos (La Tempesta di Mare)
Vivaldi - Il cimento dell'armonia e dell'inventione / Europa Galante, Biondi
Concert for the Prince of Poland
Boccherini: String Quintets; Minuet in A /Europa Galante * Biondi

ASIN: B00005UV9F
Release Date: 2003-01-07

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro
I. Allegro Molto
II. Andante Molto
III. Allegro
I. [Allegro]
II. Larghetto
III. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. Largo
III. Allegro
I. Allegro
II. [Lento]
III. Allegro
I. [Allegro]
II. Largo
III. [Allegro]
I. Allegro
II. Largo A Piacimento
III. Allegro

Amazon.com

The seven Concerti per Mandolini are diverse enough to disprove the frequently heard accusation that all Vivaldi concertos sound alike. Though they are cast in the same three-movement structure, each has its own character, from playful, ingratiating charm to ardor, high drama, and lamentatious intensity. The fast movements are stately and brilliant with scintillating running passages; the slow ones are songful, pleading, and melancholy. Though at times Vivaldi succumbs to his predilection for sequences, these pieces have an incredible variety of tonality, mood, and color, employing a large number of instruments in many arresting combinations; the final one requires 17 instruments. In addition to the solo mandolins, there are standard and unusual strings and winds, including such rarities as chalumeaux, theorbo, viole all'inglese, and violini in tromba marina. The performances, at lowered pitch, are splendid throughout: brilliant in the fast, virtuosic movements, perfect in intonation and balance, pure in sound, invariably expressive, often passionate. The players use vibrato sparingly and add elegant ornamentation and cadenzas. Biondi, director and concertmaster, has a wonderfully sweet tone and leads without dominating the group. One cavil: the musicians get louder on all ascending passages and softer on all descending ones, and they make a long pause before every final note. This approach may be stylistically "authentic," but it becomes an annoying mannerism through overuse and exaggeration. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Finally, Fast Enough!!!!.......2007-02-17

The Concerto for Diverse Instruments (called Two Mandolins on this CD) a piece that I had an old LP of with Bernstein & the NY Philharmonic, but until now, no one has really played it with the speed and spirit that old LP recording had. I really do recommend this CD and also will be buying more of Fabio Biondi's materials as time goes on. While he's no Bernstein, his work on this particular piece surpasses that of the great master!

Study in Color.......2006-03-25

Admittedly I bought this CD because it was the only recording of RV 558 that I could find in Hong kong. This is one of the most bizarre concerti grosso that has ever been composed; it is scored for 2 violini in trombe marina, 2 recorders, 2 mandolins, 2 chalemeaux, 2 theorbos and cello, in addition to strings and continuo (performed here on harpsichord). Clearly Vivaldi wanted to make a splash with this piece and he threw in everything in the back closet; the alternation of tone colors is really amazing.

A word about these instruments, working backwards. The theorbo is an obsolete but astonishingly lovely member of the lute family; it's something like a cross between a harp (with 8 unfretted bass strings that can sound only a single note) and a twelve string guitar (with 6 pairs of fretted strings) but pitched low--the upper two strings are not considerably higher than the two strings below them, which makes for ease of fingering but limits the upper range. The chalemeaux are precursors of the clarinet and are aurally difficult to distinguish from their progeny. Mandolins are plucked/strummed stringed instruments with 4 pairs of strings tuned like a violin, and these instruments were most likely played by violinists. The violins in trombe marina are somewhat controversial; Europa Galante come down firmly on the side of the score that these are essentially regular violins fixed with an asymmetric bridge which causes a sort of buzzing or rattling sound rather similar to the buzziness of the harpsichord, oddly enough, and which was thought to imitate the sound of the obsolete and incredibly bizarre tromba marina. But other scholars have argued that the parts were meant for performance on actual trombe marina. The "Sea Trumpet" was in fact a stringed instrument thought to sound like a trumpet but be more agile (trumpets in those times did not have valves and so had a very limited pitch choice--they were essentially bugles.). It has only a single melodic string, rather long, but up to 50 strings that resonate with sympathetic vibration with the melodic string. To make things even more curious, only harmonics were played on the instrument, throwing the intonation of certain pitches completely out of the norm. The tromba marina gets its name in part because it was said to be heard best at a distance, as over a body of water. I can testify that this is true--it's really a hideous sound that you wouldn't want to hear close up, something like a viola being scratched against a chalkboard. It's hard for me to believe that Vivaldi really composed this piece not just for one tromba marina, but for two; beyond the horror of the noise lies the fact that the parts probably aren't even close to possible on the tromba marina, but lie perfectly well on the violin.

At any rate, the piece is about color in a way that probably no one other than Bach conceived of for a very long time. And herein lies my complaint (a minor one); the performance is lovely, but I sometimes find the harpsichord overwhelming. It's especially difficult to hear the theorbos--they're so low; and to distinguish the violins in trombe marina sometimes--they match the harpsichord sound too much. Granted, in the Concerto RV 555, the two harpsichords are solo instruments and should be treated as such. But how RV 558 would flourish with less harpsichord--it would be such a treat.

At any rate, these are all delightful pieces, really some of Vivaldi at his best if you're tired of the Four Seasons, and certainly worthwhile performances.

Vivaldi and Europa Galante Make a Joyful Noise.......2004-04-27

As all reviewers on this page seem to agree, the first order of business is to jettison the old saw that Vivaldi wrote the same concerto 500 times. Certainly he can be faulted, as he always will, for falling back on too-obvious formulae (those oft-cited repeated sequences of his), but as for sounding alike: Just try the jovial, gallant first movement of RV 425 for solo mandolin and follow it with the somber, near-tragic opening of RV 319 for violin, oboes, and bassoon. Next, give RV 558 a spin; how different the grand, heroic sweep of this first movement!

Now that we've disposed of the chestnut about the sameness of the concerti, we can talk about the performances of Biondi and Europa Galante. I find them enthrallingly virtuosic in the Bach-like noodlings required of the two violins and two cellos in RV 564, a truly captivating work reminiscent, for me, of the Third Brandenburg. On the other hand, Biondi captures perfectly the sober mood of RV 319, where sentiment overrules virtuosity.

The two concertos for mandolins (RV 532 and RV 425) are some of Vivaldi's most genial, and they emerge with the right sense of dash and wit, while the two concerti RV 558 and RV 555 for "molti strumenti" make a grand noise, especially those raspy, rattling violini in tromba marina! On the other hand, the recorders, chalumeaux, theorbos, and cellos add a tenderness and grace in their solos that balance out the acerbity of these strange instruments. RV 555 increases the stereophonic effects with two harpsichords and with three violins against two viole all'inglese and the aforementioned cellos. In all, it's a remarkable sound world Vivaldi created in these two works, like nothing else in the concerto literature, and the virtuosi of Europa Galante make the music sound every bit as important as it should.

The recording, made in a church, is both close-up and highly reverberant, which takes a little getting used to, but once the ear adjusts, it reveals the dividends paid by the close miking. The solos all emerge with crystal clarity and timbral purity, while the ensemble playing is detailed and analytical without being clinical, thanks to that reverb. Though the recording tends to highlight the high end of things, it is probably true to the big, bright sound picture Vivaldi "saw" when he conducted his all-girl orchestra at the Ospedale della Pieta.

An exciting CD indeed.

Who says baroque stuff can't be electrifying?.......2004-01-13

This is one of the most encouraging and exciting discs in 2002! After a few hours of Vivaldi listening, one often gets the impression that he spinned out new concerti by applying the same formula - they all sound vaguely the same, after all. Vivaldi fatigue I call it. That's all the more why we need a disc like this: Biondi and his superb Europa Galante show that Vivaldi concerti can be full of surprises and excitement, and extremely colourful writings. These are readings of high drama and strong emotions, it's hard to imagine anybody not moved by the sheer energy level and dedication. Concerto RV 576 gets a superb airing especially.

- Biondi is still surprising- Grâce à Pisendel.......2003-02-14

At first, I had to be convinced. I have to admit it was long. Now it's done. Well done.
Fabio Biondi is at his best in the "Concerto en sol mineur" (dédié à Pisendel(RV 319)". In "Concerto en ut majeur" (RV 558), Jean-Christophe Spinosi (do you know him and his ensemble "Matheus" (Naive)) was able to gave more surrealistic moments. But the Europa Galante version is very interesting.

Tracks:

Hoe-Down
Jumpin' At The Woodside
Nutcracker Suite, Waltz Of The Flowers
El Amor Brujo, Danza Del Juego De Amor
El amor brujo, Danza del juego del fuego (Para Ahuyentar Los Malos Espiritus)
Black Horse Troop
Capriol Suite, Pieds-en-l'air
Capriol Suite, Mattachins
Traditional: Shenandoah
Simple Gifts
Corral Nocturne
Introduction & Fandango, Introduction
Introduction & Fandango, Fandango
My Lord Of Oxenfordes Maske
Canzon Per Sonar Primi Toni
Dance Suite, Gavottes 1,2,3 & 6
Dance Suite, Volte II
Brandenburg Concerto No. 6, III: Allegro
La SoirDans Grenade (Evening In Granada)
Main Street Electrical Parade (Baroque Hoedown) Disneyland in the Style of Vivaldi

Customer Reviews:

I love these guys!!!.......2007-01-02

At first I did not know anything about LAGQ. I was taking an intro to guitar class on the campus of USC. One of my assignments was to attend two guitar performances happening on campus and write about each. I was so fortunate to have picked LAGQ. I fell in love with their music and their humor. I was amazed by the variety of sounds coming out of the guitars. Although guitar playing is a hobby for me... these guys inspire me to study the guitar more seriously. This is the first album of theirs I bought. Their rendition of Shenandoah is the best. It is so beautiful I fall asleep to it. Simple Gifts is the most lovely version too. Jumpin' at the Woodside is another favorite... it jazzy bounce makes it a popular choice for background music to any situation. The Main Street Electrical Parade never fails to delight me and surprise my friends when I play it. These guys are silly...but in a good way. Its 2007 now and I still go back to the songs on this album. Great variety. This is a good starter to a LAGQ collection. Go see them live if you can!!!

Excellent album.......2004-11-23

Recently I learned about LAGQ and bought this album. I have been impressed by the arrangements and interpretation, the texture, innovative touches and originality. It is a treat!

This is only a warning.......2004-09-19

The LAGQ are fine players, and the music here is first rate as a summary of what they do, or for any purpose. HOWEVER, the transfer to CD on my disc was very poorly chosen, so that the top octave and a half was mostly missing (worse on some pieces than others, though). This takes the snap! out of guitar strings and notably attenuates your ability to tell what the 4 are doing with guitar timbre and the like. So, if you have wide-range audio gear, you might want to look elsewhere for an introduction to these players.

Recent Purchase that I'm Joyed to Find and Enjoy.......2001-01-27

Not until recently did I know about this guitar four. Hearing a number of their songs on internet classical radio, I decided I'd try this one.

What a great surprise --- their arrangements of Copeland to Sousa to Praetorius are excellent and in taste. I'll be venturing into their other works.

Simply Amazing.......2000-06-12

LAGQ is wonderful and this CD is a great compilation of some of their best work to date. Extremely versatile musicians, they perform swing music, Sousa march music, a Main Street Electrical Parade tune from Disneyland, as well as music by Copland and Praetorius. It's amazing how they are able to produce the sounds they do. A great compilation and one that would nicely add to your LAGQ collection or a great CD to start that collection!

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.

Average customer rating:

Love it despite recording quirks...
Great Vivaldi
The best of Vivaldi
hiro
Scimone's Mandolins the best

Vivaldi: Concerti per Mandolini

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Vivaldi: Guitar Concertos
The Magic of the Mandoline
Duets for Mandolin & Guitar
Vivaldi: Concerti per mandolini
Vivaldi: Lute Concertos

ASIN: B000005E5W
Release Date: 1991-08-10

Tracks:

Concerto in G Major for Two Mandolins, Strings and Harpsichord, RV 532: Allegro
Concerto in G Major for Two Mandolins, Strings and Harpsichord, RV 532: Andante
Concerto in G Major for Two Mandolins, Strings and Harpsichord, RV 532: Allegro
Concerto in C Major for Mandolin Strings and Harpsichord, RV 425: Allegro
Concerto in C Major for Mandolin Strings and Harpsichord, RV 425: Largo
Concerto in C Major for Mandolin Strings and Harpsichord, RV 425: (Allegro)
Concerto in C Major for Two Flutes, Two Salmoe, Two Violins: Allegro molto
Concerto in C Major for Two Flutes, Two Salmoe, Two Violins: Andante molto
Concerto in C Major for Two Flutes, Two Salmoe, Two Violins: Allegro
Concerto in D Major for Mandolin, Strings and Harpsichord, RV 93: (Allegro giusto)
Concerto in D Major for Mandolin, Strings and Harpsichord, RV 93: Largo
Concerto in D Major for Mandolin, Strings and Harpsichord, RV 93: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Love it despite recording quirks..........2007-07-31

A wonderful CD. I've been listening to it over and over for days now. Have to say that the recording, though it presents an excellent 'live' soundstage, has it's own idiosyncracies. First, and not so nice, there is a ground loop hum in the recording -- the buzzing you might be able to hear (esp. at the end of the tracks) is in the recording, not your system. Second, it must have been a busy day outside the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza as there is quite discernable traffic noise. (Turn the volume up on the second track, and wait for the truck to go by at 1:45). Still, don't let these niggles put you off, it's a classic.

Great Vivaldi.......2005-08-12

One of the best compilations of Vivaldi I have heard. To the best of my knowledge, this disc is not available in my country

The best of Vivaldi.......2003-09-21

This is an outstanding recording. Once you hear it you'll wish you'd learned of it years earlier. "The Four Seasons" will bore you after you'd enjoyed this utterly delightful recording. Vivaldi reached his peak of skill in these mandolin concertos and the performance and technical recording are superb. I ordered 10 copies to give to my best friends, to share the pleasure....

hiro.......2001-02-26

My last girlfriend like this. Anyway,I love this music,Vivaldi's mandolin concerto. Indeed,I know another recording more better, but I like this recording its clearly reemarging Vivaldi's passion.Thanks anyway.

Scimone's Mandolins the best.......2001-01-09

I'll spare you longwinded discussion and cut to the chase.

This is quite simply the most delightful recording of these concertos I have ever encountered in 30+ years of listening to and collecting recorded music.

I am glad to see it is still in Erato's active catalog.

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