Customer Reviews

Ultimate Vivaldi: The Essential Masterpieces [Box Set]

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

 

 

I could write an overly verbose review, but I'll try to keep it short and sweet. Here, the "Four Seasons" are played in a somewhat sentimental style (there's even the odd rubato!) that one would think to clash with the period but IT WORKS! It's very difficult to push the musical boundaries of a period-piece such as the "Four Seasons" concertos without making it overtly Romantic, but this recording is a resounding re-sounding of the pieces. I also love the clarity of the almost always ancillary harpsichord (a travesty, in my opinion); the ornaments it provides are something I've missed on every other recording I've ever heard. It's a feast for the ears and evokes rich, crystal-clear imagery.

The rest of the set is every bit as wonderful.

A Personal PS: My very first experience with "Classical" music was with Vivaldi. I was 3 and fell in love and have been in love with classical music for 28 years, now. This would be a great gift to give to a child and you may share the happiness of knowing that you've expanded that child's horizons.

Hard to go wrong given the quality of the players, the breadth of material, and the great price. At this price, its a fraction of the cost of downloading the same music from iTunes, and you get physical back-up ;-)

Recommended.

I've long had some Vivaldi as part of my portable collection of music. Purchasing this set of 5 CDs is my first step towards increasing this collection.

I'm particularly enjoying the guitar and cello concertos. For me, this is music that simultaneously soothes and inspires.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

As I am writing this, I am actually listening to the first CD of this collection. To give an idea of how I shall be reviewing this, I am writing from the point of view of someone who loves classical music but is by no means an expert in it. So, consider this an everyman review.
I think this is a wonderful collection of some of the works by Vivaldi and is extremely convenient to have. I don't think there is anything wrong with the symphony or the conductors used, but I am sure some of the classical aficionados will find fault in it and can give us even better performances (which they should do, by all means. I am always open to new musical interpretation and would love to hear more). From the viewpoint of the everyman, though, this is a great collection of music and all those involved did a wonderful job.
Normally I would go into the songs that are present, but Amazon has kindly made Mp3s available so that you can quickly sample what you're getting into. I can say that, on the CD, the sound quality is excellent and very clear. In my opinion it's definitely a good buy.

Dont get me wrong, its good, just perhaps my expectation was of more variety. Five CD's and it sounds like the same piece performed over and over again just with different instruments highlighted.