Customer Reviews

The Compleat Four Seasons

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Okay, so Arnie Roth is not the greatest violinist of our times, nor is this the greatest version of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, BUT, Patrick Stewarts wonderful reading of Vivaldi's poetry written along with the concertos a unique and very pleasing addition to any classical library.

Put this CD on when you want to wander around your home or at work and be relaxed and refreshed. Better yet, put it on when and simply enjoy the poetry and music blended together. It's like air freshener for your head.

This may seem like another recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, but it isn't. This version adds another element that Vivaldi included in his writing that few people apply today.

Vivaldi originally wrote poems to go along with each season, and Patrick Stewart reads the poetry here. He does a WONDERFUL job, putting expression and feeling into each poem.

Otherwise, this is not my favorite recording of the Four Seasons, but it still is pretty good. Stewart adds a wonderful element to the CD, which is the main reason I got it.

Also the CD art is different on my copy. It shows Arnie Roth and Patrick Stewart on the cover... I don't know I guess they changed it.

Wonderful version!

You have to buy this Four Seasons, even if you have several versions already.

It includes, as narration, Vivaldi's own written descriptions of the seasons (translated into English of course).

This immensely enhances the atmosphere, almost making you feel you are experiencing the seasons yourself! (Actually, I wish we could have the narration in the original Italian too, just as Vivaldi would have spoken it.)

The musical performance also is excellent.

I WOULD CALL THIS A MASTERPIECE.
Vivaldi's THE COMPLETE FOUR SEASONS is a masterful and beautiful work of art.
1. Spring= light hearted and sweet combination of chill and warmth fill the air. He, Vivaldi, makes you think of holding hands, soft tender kisses and the gentle blowing of flowers in a vast yet tenderly beautiful field.
2. Summer= warm with a strong heart yet loving. Vivaldi makes use of the idea of a powerful thunderstorm in the form of music. During his summer, that is Vivaldi's, you get the urge to hike to some forrest and listen to the gentle water running down a creek. While in the forrest you get to experience the spectacle of a well orchestrated thunderstorm that only Mother Nature can put on.
3. Autumn (I hate the word fall)= a time for celebrating and relaxation. You think of family gatherings, hot cider, pumpkins and the many hues of new colors blossoming around you. Vivaldi is like an painter; you feel as though he is re painting the world and his music is the paint.
4. Winter= chilled to the bone and yet warmth when you need it. Vivaldi is like "Old Man Winter"; the mood is right for being indoors with the ones you love. Outside, snow is all around, wind is gusting against the windows and ice is dangerous to walk on. But you manage to avoid all of this by relaxing by the fireside.
I purchased this cd because of Patrick Stewart. What I got out of it was a masterpiece in every sense of the word. This was already a great work of art; Patrick Stewart (aka Captain Jean-Luc Picard) just made it even better.
If you are a classic music fan get this cd. Light a few candles or start a fire in you fireplace, snuggle up to the one you love and make sure this cd is on.