Search - Antonio Vivaldi, Nicholas Kraemer, City of London Sinfonia :: Vivaldi: Cello Concerti, Vol. 2

Masterful performances of gorgeous pieces.

02/16/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"All four volumes of these twenty-seven Vivaldi cello concerti are masterfully and sensitively performed. The style of Vivaldi pours through the flawless playing of both the orchestra and soloists. The tempi chosen for each movement seem to bring out the most in the music--never too slow and never too fast. Although all four volumes are beautiful, the second volume contains prime examples of Vivaldi's style--that relentlessly tense and elegant rush. The Double Cello Concerto in G minor, RV 531, recalls the urgency of Vivaldi's first movement in his "Winter" concerto, except here, two cellos perfectly contending with the orchestra give this piece more material and substance to listen to. The slow movement that follows is gorgeous, giving way to the relatively joyful ending. On the same volume, the Concerto in C minor, RV 401, also gives a beautiful glimpse at Vivaldi's unmistakable style. The works in the other three volumes do not really match the intensity and delicacy of the pieces in the second volume--especially the double cello concerto; however, all four volumes, each at such a humble price, are golden additions to the collection of those who love Vivaldi's music."

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. 2

Paul R. Joines | Ogden, UT | 08/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Excellent performance and high quality recording. Arrived in great shape and in a very short time. I'm quite pleased."