Customer Reviews

Complete Recorder Concertos

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The concertos on here are all beautifully, flawlessly played. The first three for sopranino recorder, the highest member of the recorder family in common use, and are full of exuberance and joyfulness in the outer fast movements, but are contrasted with more introspective central slow movements. The first concerto in C is especially notable for its haunting, plaintive largo. The last three are all for the alto recorder, with the last paired with bassoon. While the sopranino concertos were probably composed as novelties like the popular mandolin concertos, the alto recorder is basically the standard recorder of the baroque period. The fourth concerto in F is very delicate and relaxed in the first movement, which is followed by another beautiful, sad Largo E Cantabile. The fifth concerto, in C minor, is a popular one that appears on several other recordings, but this is my favorite rendition. The sixth is the odd one out, but among the most delightful, being one of Vivaldi's chamber concertos. The 'chamber concerto' designation means that, rather than being scored for string orchestra and soloist(s), it is scored for one instrument to a part. Here, the instruments are recorder, violin, oboe, bassoon, and continuo (cello and harpsichord), where the recorder and bassoon are the soloists. This pair ends up being a choice combination, and one which Vivaldi was to use in other concertos. The first movement is in ritornello form, the second is a pastoral aria, and the third a fugue (a form which Vivaldi seems to have used sparingly).

All of these pieces are played with taste and expertise, and because of that and the skill with which Vivaldi composed them, this ends up being one of my favorite CDs.

The Recorder, for those not familiar with the instrument, is a member of the woodwind family. There are a number of different types of recorders, from the high pitched sopranino to the soprano, alto, tenor and bass recorders. It is relatively easy to play, and can be played casually either individually, or in groups. Because of its relative ease of use and understanding, it is considered a child's instrument. Its popularity reached its peak in medieval times until more sophisticated orchestral woodwinds displaced its use from the 18th century onward. Its wholesome sweet natural sound evokes pastoral imagery and the simplicity of earlier times. Yet, in the hands of a professional, it is an instrument of great complexity, versatility and pristine beauty. Many devotees describe its sound as "woodsy" and "warm." Its charms were greatly appreciated by classical composers, many of whom wrote specific works specifically featuring the instrument. As someone who plays both the soprano and alto recorder (purely on an amateur level), I have come to appreciate the beauty of its sound.

VIVALDI: COMPLETE RECORDER CONCERTOS, is part of Naxos' "The Vivaldi Collection" offers 18 tracks of exceptional music. The selections reveal the joy of Vivaldi's great works as well as the versatility of genuine artists in impeccable performances. The Budapest Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia plays beautifully, offering a distinctive and engaging sound.

Other reviewers on this page have far more technical expertise than I would dare claim (and their insight proved invaluable prior to purchase), so I will only speak to the impression that the music made to me. My favorite sound is the alto recorder (with the soprano recorder coming in a close second); accordingly, I found the sopranino's high pitch something that took some getting used to. With repeated listening however, I began to appreciate its nuances; as someone who struggles with the high notes, I could not help but admire the purity of the sound. Each of the selections display the great versatility of Vivaldi as well as the full diversity of the recorder in the hands of true artists.

I would recommend this CD, not just to Vivaldi or recorder aficionados, but to anyone who appreciates fine music, particularly when the price is most reasonable.

The recorder is a very misunderstood instrument. Many people see it as an instrument for small children and this could be no further from the truth. Vivaldi shows with his compositions for the recorder that it is very beautifull instrument in its own right and should not be dismissed based on olde ideas. I love this kind of music and it is very nice indeed to listen to and Vivaldi has cretaed some amazing recorder music that should be listened to people that love classical music and great music in general.

I purchased this CD so that I could listen to something jolly in the car, and it fulfils this need admirably. Perhaps not as manic as some of the versions of Vivaldi recorder music I have heard, but pretty fired up nonetheless. I challenge anyone to feel down when they listen to this.

Recorder today is all too often considered a child's toy instrument. There was a time, however, when recorders were the main wind instruments in music. Prior to the Baroque flute (the first transverse flute, and basically a transverse recorder), recorder was it. I, for one, am glad to see recorder being played as a serious instrument again. Personally, I love the sopranino recorder concertos. Yes, the sopranino is a tiny and very high pitched instrument, similar to today's piccolo, but the sound of a sopranino recorder is so much more "woodsy" than today's piccolo. The only recording I've ever heard of these sopranino concertos that was any better is the Bernard Krainis recording for the Musical Heritage Society, and they are no longer available. This is an excellent CD, with extremely high musicianship. I highly recommend it

I was surprised to hear this music at first and it took a few minutes to adapt to the sopranino recorder's high pitch.

However, it became quite interesting and satisfying.