Wonderful performances and warm sound
Anton Karidian | Tennessee | 12/12/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is volume 1 of a 4-volume set on the Naxos label comprising all of Vivaldi's 27 cello concertos. I have only heard volumes 1 and 2, so cannot fairly evaluate 3 and 4 yet, but I can tell you that the first two volumes are terrific performances of this wonderful music. Vivaldi was very inventive in writing these, so they never seem repetitive, and the good blend of tempos keeps them from seeming either too hurried or too sedate. Raphael Wallfisch on solo cello performs with enthusiasm and precision, yet always tastefully in accord with how the music was written. The recording quality is very good too, warm and well-balanced. If you trust the writers of the Penguin Guide as I do to rate classical recordings, they sum up their attitude to all 4 volumes of these recordings with the statement: "a remarkable achievement, standing very high in the Vivaldi discography," and give their very highest "Rosette" rating to volume 3."
Vivaldi: Cello Concerti, Vol. 1
Paul R. Joines | Ogden, UT | 08/22/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Excellent quality recording. Very stylistic playing and fine performances. Arrived quickly. The original case had been damaged and the CD was sent with the seal unbroken. A replacement case accompanied the order at no extra charge. There was no damage to the CD Thanks to Amazon for the courtesy."
Beautifully Played Concertos
E. Clinton | Chicago, IL USA | 05/21/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Someone said that Vivaldi wrote the same concerto 500 times. That being said, these Cello concertos are beautifully played and very entertaining music. This group uses modern instruments, but they do a great job with the music. The words fresh and lively would describe this music well."