Search - Vivaldi, I Solisti Italiani :: 12 Concerti

A magnificent CD, worthwile buying

S. Gaal | Dordrecht, Nederland | 05/03/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In my opinion the 1993 CD of I Solisti Italiani (ISI) is a real treasure.

In contrast to the other chamber orchests is the playing style of ISI must have been very unique in the early 90s.

They preform the pieces dynamically yet not overexeggarated ( by overexeggaration I mean e.g. Biodi or Kennedy). On the other hand, they intonate much better than e.g. P. Zuckerman.

There is not even a single whinny sound, improper entree. ISI may even be aware of the physics of vibrating strings (eigenmodes, damping, etc) , as learned from physics books. At least I can get the impression from their performance.

The recording engineer of the CD did a very good work, as well. The dynamics of the soundtracks is excellent and even the clavichord is clearly to be heard.

The playing stlye of ISI resembles a bit to that of Andrew Manze or Anton Steck. We must, however, bear in mind, that ISI were the predecessor of these artists.

If one can get the double CD under USD 80 it is worth buying it.



My personal favourite concerto is the very last ( in D dur ). The dynamics, the intonation and the performance of the recording engineer is perfect. Not forgetting, of course, the input of Vivaldi."