This disc of recorder
concertos by Vivaldi is the latest in
‘The Vivaldi Collection’, a continuing
series by Naxos. Seven of Vivaldi’s
concertos that include the recorder
are presented in this recording by László
Kecskeméti along with a chamber
group consisting of two violins, oboe,
bassoon, cello and harpsichord.
Vivaldi is widely credited
with bringing the Italian concerto to
prominence, with nearly five hundred
concertos surviving. The seven concertos
recorded on this disc each vary slightly
in scoring, with different combinations
of the instruments already mentioned.
The harpsichord is the main continuo
throughout, and the basso continuo
is completed by bassoon, cello or
a combination of both. Both violins
are found in only two of the concertos
(Concerto in A minor, RV
108 and Concerto in C major,
RV 87), and all but one of the remaining
concertos (Concerto in G minor,
RV 103) contain one violin. The oboe
is also found in five of the seven concertos.
Typically, each of
the concertos consists of three movements,
of which the two outer are quick and
the central movement slow. Despite having
this structure in common each is sufficiently
different for the interest not to wane
throughout the full 66 minutes of this
disc; quite the opposite in fact. There
is some really engaging, exciting, dramatic
and exquisite music on offer. Particularly
worthy of mention are: the Concerto
in A minor, RV 108, which represents
some of the most striking music here;
the recorder and bassoon duet from the
Concerto in G minor, RV 105,
and the middle movement of the Concerto
in D major, RV 94 are both charming
in their simplicity.
An invigorating and
airy quality found in many of Vivaldi’s
works is complemented by the lively
performances of the players, who without
exception sound both confident and relaxed.
The ensemble from the opening of the
disc is tight, but not so rigid as to
be to the detriment of the natural and
flowing virtues of the music. Kecskeméti
displays a wonderful affinity with,
and flair for, this repertoire, with
deeply musical, stylish and imaginative
interpretations. The consistent and
inventive continuo combination of Borbála
Dobozy and György Kertész
plays a vital role, while the sensitive
playing of the violinists and oboist
serves to complement the delicate tone
of the recorder.
An intimate, clear
and superbly balanced recorded sound
coupled with fine performances make
this disc worthy of high recommendation.
Adam Binks
see also review
by Glyn
Pursglove
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