Search - Antonio Vivaldi, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic :: Vivaldi: The Four Seasons

Ownage

creepingdeath021 | 07/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the reviews I read mentioned that the conductor here used too much of a dynamic range, had too much vigor, etc. etc.I ask - how much does this person know about this piece (the Four Seasons)?This CD is the best Vivaldi CD I've heard yet, and I've heard a good many. Most of them rush through the more peaceful parts without showing a hint of feeling, or drag through more vigorous parts like the musicians and conductor are bored. But this CD lets you enjoy each movement of each concerto and actually feel what's being portrayed in the music.I believe some of the parts that were referred to as bombast, etc., were from Summer. Summer, as all the concertos in the Four Seasons, has passages that depict storms. The storms in Concerto 3, Movement 3 specifically, however, are extremely violent. It's even written in the sheet music, which I own, that the parts are supposed to be violent! And if you're following along with what the music is portraying, then it'll give you chills.I recommend fans of Vivaldi's Four Seasons look up the poems that were recited before each concerto. The poems explain what is being portrayed in the music. Ie, in Spring, the section after the main theme, with many seemingly random trills and 16th note runs, represents birds singing and chirping. The fast section after it represents the arrival of a spring thunderstorm, and thunder and lightning. Later in the movement, the birds return and then the music drifts away to flowing fountains of fresh water.The Four Seasons really is a beautiful and brilliant piece of work. I think it goes without saying that it's highly recommended."

He's not really a Baroque conductor

creepingdeath021 | 02/24/2002

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I hate having to give this CD a fairly low rating. However, the fact is, Bernstein is a master at 19th Century music (and 20th as well), but falls down in Mozart and in Baroque. This CD is no exception.His conducting of The Four Seasons, is what you may expect from Bernstein. He conducts with vigor, bombast, intensity, and other elements (such as a large dynamic range) that one doesn't typically associate with Baroque music. He doesn't have a stately grace or even a slightly cold touch - both of which I feel are vital to correctly perform Baroque.So, if Bernstein's approach is your cup of tea, then you should, by all means, buy this album. You will love it. However, if you are more of a purist or traditionalist, then you should turn your attentions elsewhere."

It captured my heart!

creepingdeath021 | 08/17/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is definitely the best version of the four seasons I've ever experienced. Bernstein takes full advantage of power of the orchestra and brings each season alive. I couldn't stop listening to "Summer" over and over again. There were also a few other titles that I wasn't really familiar with that made me a true fan of Vivaldi."