Customer Reviews

Vivaldi: Concertos for Two Violins

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When Giuliano Carmignola jumped labels from Sony to Deutsche Grammophon it was a great day for Vivaldi and classical music in general. Although Carmignola's Sony era performances are nearly as good as his current playing, the engineering of the recordings dragged them down. Detsche Grammophon, on the other hand, puts you in the front row of a live performance with their engineering. This CD of works for two violins is Carmignola's best yet as far as sound quality goes.
Among his many inventions, Vivaldi developed a double concerto, which was basically an offshoot of his virtuosic take on the solo concerto form, rather than a streamlined version of the Corelli concerto grosso. These works present the same challenges and expressive possibilities of his solo concertos. Vivaldi is not interested in weaving complex textures in these works, but has rather simple and noble goals of keeping both violinists busy and sounding good. That might sound silly, but that is what Vivaldi values more than a lot of composers--sounding good, tickling the human ear with pleasures. For this reason Vivaldi uses lots of parallel 3rds which sparkle more than any interval in high register. This is also why there are so many canon passages. The double concerto format works out great for Vivaldi. These works are expressive, entertaining and virtuosic delights. However, it is a little harder to listen to many of these works in a row, as compared to solo concerti, because the texture is more limited. There are great conversations between soloists, but each soloist has to wait his turn, which slows the journey of the music and limits Vivaldi's spontaneity some. But they payoff in felicitous harmony, imitations and chasing canons is a worthwhile departure.
This disc includes six excellent works, probably all from the 1720's and 30's. The G major concerto is a ruckus of joy with hints of rustic elements. The virtuosity of this work is very impressive. It has an unusual slow movement that is quite pensive. Vivaldi arranged this work as a duo sonata with optional bass. Legend has it that Vivaldi and his father preformed these duos together. The D major concerto is the most festive work on this disc, and is also busting at the seams. Vivaldi finds moments of reflection and spontaneity within the hedonism. The D minor concerto is much more down to earth. It is in the tone of something more northern and severe with virtuosity subdued a bit to fit the somber tone. The B flat major concerto is perhaps the perfect mix of the lyrical and the lively, and is one of Vivaldi's best works. The appealing opening melodic sequence of the 1st movement will stick in your head for life. The slow movement is an oddly hypnotic masterpiece. The C minor is on the fence between anger and sadness with dashes of violence, dotting glassy lakes of lyricism. The A minor concerto is an accomplished and slightly puzzling work that brings to mind a pumped-up version of L'estro Armonico concerti. This work is destined to become a Vivaldi classic as people become familiar with it.
This disc is a must have for any classical music lover. Both Mullova and Carmignola are on the top of their games as is the Venice Baroque Orchestra, which sounds better than ever. However, this recording is not a personality contest between two of the great violinists of our day, rather it is cooperation toward a wall of heavenly sound.

Currently, there are two excellent 5* reviews of this recording and a 3* recording which is hard to understand - I'm not going to repeat the superlative comments made already by the two reviewers who seem to really appreciative the performances of these two phenomenal experienced period Baroque violinists. But, just for another excellent review, check out the comments on MusicWeb International:

http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2009/Mar09/Vivaldi_Mullova_4777466.htm

Not sure that I like the new 'spiky doo' on Mullova (compared to some older recordings of her that I own), but hey I'm just listening! If you're a Vivaldi fan, this disc should be at least heard if not purchased.

I recently acquired this recording. Each time I listen to it I enjoy it more. It is not possible to fully appreciate it in one sitting. I have quite a few Vivaldi recordings but this one is quickly moving nearer to the top of my favorites. Carmignola and Mullova complement each other very well.

This prestigious recording is one of the highlights of the year, so far. It should be capable of attracting our children to classical music. Sound and performance are highly remarkable and just beautiful!

If there is a better version of these beautiful pieces out there, I have not heard it. A wonderfully up-lifting piece of music.

...in which "The Four Seasons" hadn't yet been discovered, and instead the musical public knew Vivaldi based on concertos such as these. He (and we) would occupy a different point on the time/space continuum.

Yeah, yeah yeah, and the Chicago Cubs would win the world series. Vladmir Putin would embrace democracy. I must be over-caffeinated, but a guy can dream, right?

BOTTOM LINE: I've hoarded Vivaldi recordings for going on 30 years now. This music isn't the "Red Priest" I grew up with. This recording just takes my breath away.

Seriously, I can't say anything more eloquent about this CD that hasn't already been said. All hats off to Carmignola, without whom...etc.

The world of Vivaldi has been turned on its head over the past decade. To catch up with this movement, (and exorcise the dreaded elevator-music shade of Vivaldi of the 1960s), try:

1.) the other fine recordings of Giuliano Carmignola who has been at the cutting edge.
2.) Dip into the efforts of various groups involved in the current Vivaldi Edition underway on the Naive Label
3.) Don't forget Rachel Podger who miraculously breathed new life into La Stravaganza (op 4.); and
4.) Lastly, Musicologist and violinist Fabio Biondi's recordings with Europa Galante cleaned all the grit out of the well-worn grooves of Ops. 3 - 12, and showed up most other authentic instrument bands in the process

...all recommended

This set of concertos, along with the concertos for single violin (e.g. Archive 4776055) and the concertos for oboe, clarinet and bassoon (e.g. Naive 30409) reflect what Vivaldi really was all about. The "famous" and terribly over worked Four Seasons concertos are very simplistic compared to these wonderful works. Carmignola and Mullova have a perfect touch for the life and enthusiasm that truly are at the core of Vivaldi's important contributions to the Baroque repertoire and the Venice Baroque Orchestra compliments the music and the violinists wonderfully. One can easily imagine this entorage playing in the very special small churches and other venues in Venice that surround the Ospedale della Pieta (the orphanage where Vivaldi was employed for most of his composing lifetime). We know that J.S. Bach transcribed many of Vivaldf's works and that his exposure to Vivaldi's concertos for violin had a profound influence on his approach to melody and structure. Highly recommended.

Absolutely wonderful. I can't help but play it every day on the way to work!!! I love this recording! fast send.

Very good selections of later Vivaldi pieces. Well played by the artists. This won't be in many collections so makes a very good buy