Customer Reviews

Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg ~ Vivaldi - The Four Seasons

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Madamemusico is absolutely correct! This non-period-piece, non-original-instrument version is wonderful. I was on a hunt for original-instrument versions and this one came my way by mistake. I almost rejected it out of hand, but since the St Luke's Chamber Ensemble recording of the Bach Brandenburgs was so good I gave this one a listen. The Orchestra of St Luke's (a lot of the same people as the SLCE) plays with full-bodied sound and clear textures, so the lessons of early music performance practice are heeded. The violin soloist, however, is dynamite. It doesn't matter that it's not period authentic...this is great music making.

Everyone has their own favorite peformance of this all-time classical "chestnut." This is mine. Though it is not an "original instrument" performance (the best of those is the Trevor Pinnock recording on DG), the Orchestra of St. Luke's is small enough to create the proper ambience, and Salerno-Sonnenberg plays and conducts with absolute passion.

I'm not necessarily recommending this OVER the historically-informed versions, but give it a listen. I think you'd have to be insensitive to the passion of this performance to not want it in your collection.

If you love the violin, you will love Salerno-Sonnenberg. She is not your run of the mill classical musician. Her heart and soul are there for all to see.