Don't miss this CD!
The Borgia Pope | Houston, TX | 05/01/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This a fantastic recording of The Four Seasons and other works. Pinnock and The English Concert shine as always, and deliver the music brilliantly without destroying the style. I doubt one could find a better recording of The Four Seasons. The various concerti on CD 2 are a must have as well, especially the concerto for 2 mandolins.I have never been a huge fan of cantatas and such, but anyone looking for exciting vocal works will love Gloria.A lot of music, a low price, and brilliant players. On top of all that the recordings are digital. What more could anyone ask for?"
Awesome Four Seasons but a disappointing Gloria recording
The Borgia Pope | 06/16/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The English Concert's Four Seasons ranks among the very best with beauty, passion, and drama...Simon Standage plays beautifully. It's one Four Seasons recording you never get tired of. Unfortunately, their recording of Vivaldi's gorgeous Gloria just doesn't move the listener as much as, for example, Robert Shaw's wonderful recording on Telarc. The zesty and spirited Bassoon concerto has been more successfuly recorded by the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. Overall, this is a great collection with one of the best Four Seasons recordings, but some of the other performances are somewhat disappointing compared with the competition."
Get your Vivaldi fix!
jumpy1 | New York, NY | 01/23/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Much more than great performances of all of these warhorses. From the exquisite baroque violin unisons and solos to the soft accompaniaments of the lute, this album demonstrates Trevor Pinnock's love and understanding of baroque instruments and music. All of the selections belong in any satisfying collection and to get them all together and so superbly performed is a wondrous find."