Immerse yourself in the timeless genius of Antonio Vivaldi with "Vivaldi For Inspiration," a captivating collection of his most celebrated works. Released on January 14, 2022, this album showcases the breadth and depth of Vivaldi's compositional prowess, spanning his iconic concertos and sacred music. At just over an hour and nine minutes, this album is a concise yet comprehensive journey through the Baroque master's most inspiring pieces.
The album opens with the familiar and beloved "The Four Seasons," a set of four violin concertos that vividly depict the changing seasons. Each concerto is a masterclass in musical storytelling, with Vivaldi's innovative use of program music painting vivid pictures of nature's transformations. From the blooming landscapes of "Spring" to the frosty scenes of "Winter," these concertos are a testament to Vivaldi's ability to evoke vivid imagery through music.
Beyond "The Four Seasons," the album delves into Vivaldi's other concertos, each showcasing his signature virtuosity and innovation. From the lively "Violin Concerto in E-flat Major, Op. 8, No. 5, 'La Tempesta di Mare'" to the serene "Cello Concerto in B-Flat Major, RV 423," the album offers a diverse range of musical experiences. The inclusion of concertos for various instruments, such as the flute, oboe, and bassoon, highlights Vivaldi's versatility and mastery of different musical forms.
Sacred music enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy, with selections from Vivaldi's sacred works, including the glorious "Gloria in D Major, RV 589." This piece, with its soaring melodies and rich harmonies, is a testament to Vivaldi's ability to create music that is both spiritually uplifting and musically compelling.
Throughout the album, Vivaldi's innovative spirit shines through. His use of outlandish virtuosity, offset by moments of profound beauty, is a hallmark of his style. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Vivaldi or a newcomer to his music, "Vivaldi For Inspiration" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. It's a celebration of one of the Baroque era's most influential composers, featuring some of his most inspiring and enduring works.
2021 Naxos Special Projects2021 (P) Naxos Special Projects
Tracks
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in E Major, Op. 8 No. 1, RV 269 "Spring": I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Takako Nishizaki, Capella Istropolitana, Stephen Gunzenhauser
Flute Concerto in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3, RV 428 "Il gardellino": I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Béla Drahos, Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia
Violin Concerto in E-flat Major, Op. 8, No. 5, Rv 253, "la tempesta di mare": I. PrestoAntonio Vivaldi, Béla Bánfalvi, Budapest Strings
Cello Concerto in B-Flat Major, RV 423: I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Raphael Wallfisch, City of London Sinfonia, Nicholas Kraemer
Concerto for Strings in A Minor, Rv 161: I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Accademia I Filarmonici, Alberto Martini
Violin Concerto in C Major, Op. 8, No. 6, Rv 180, "il piacere": I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Béla Bánfalvi, Budapest Strings
Bassoon Concerto in C Major, Rv 473: I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Tamás Benkócs, Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia, Béla Drahos
Violin Concerto in F Major, Op. 4, No. 9, Rv 284: Iii. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Andrew Watkinson, City of London Sinfonia, Nicholas Kraemer
Griselda, RV 718: Act Ii: Aria: Agitata da due ventiAntonio Vivaldi, Carla Huhtanen, Aradia Ensemble, Kevin Mallon
The 4 Seasons, Violin Concerto in G Minor, RV 315 "Summer": III. PrestoAntonio Vivaldi, Takako Nishizaki, Capella Istropolitana, Stephen Gunzenhauser
Oboe Concerto in F Major, Rv 455: Iii. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Stefan Schilli, Budapest Failoni Chamber Orchestra, Judit Kiss-Domonkos, Gábor Kósa, Pier Giorgio Morandi
Gloria in D Major, RV 589: I. Gloria in excelsis DeoAntonio Vivaldi, Oxford Schola Cantorum, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas Ward
Concerto for 2 Violins in A Minor, Op. 3, No. 8, Rv 522: I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Capella Istropolitana, Jozef Kopelman
Nulla in mundo pax, RV 630: I. Aria. Nulla in mundo pax sinceraAntonio Vivaldi, Jane Archibald, Aradia Ensemble, Kevin Mallon
The 4 Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Major, Op. 8 No. 3, RV 293 "Autumn": I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Takako Nishizaki, Capella Istropolitana, Stephen Gunzenhauser
Violin Concerto in C Major, RV 184: III. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Roberto Baraldi, Accademia I Filarmonici, Alberto Martini
Cello Concerto in D Minor, RV 407: I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Raphael Wallfisch, City of London Sinfonia, Nicholas Kraemer
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4, RV 297 "Winter": I. Allegro non moltoAntonio Vivaldi, Takako Nishizaki, Capella Istropolitana, Stephen Gunzenhauser