Customer Reviews

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons

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

 

 

For those who prefer their baroque music on modern instruments, this wonderful performance by Anne-Sophie Mutter stands out as the best in a vast number of other good choices. Karajan leads the Vienna Philharmonic in a sensuous, ultra-romanticzed performance of this overplayed warhorse, and Anne-Sophie's youthful exuberance shines through (at least as much as Karajan would allow.)

EMI has issued several fine versions of the 4 seasons, including the much celebrated/maligned Nigel Kennedy version, as well as readings by Perlman and other violin superstars. This present version stands out because of its lush and creamy sound. Without question, this is the modern-instruments version of choice.

I am impressed with the music on this CD. This is a 1984 performance of Antonio Vivaldi's (c.1675-1741) Four Seasons. Herbert van Karajan (1909-1989) conducts the Vienna String Orchestra with soloist Ms. Annie-Sophie Mutter (b1963). Mr Klaus Geitel writes notes which describe the concertos from various perspectives. He considers the mixed blessing of having a popular hit and explains interesting details of the twelve concerto movements. The "third movement of Summer is one of the most exciting storm scenes in all music, and a miracle of compositional power and economy." The motivating element of this CD for me is the performance of a nineteen year-old, Ms Mutter, especially, in contrast to her more recent performance. This is a staid performance done extremely well. The orchestra sometimes overpowers the soloist. Not entirely unexpected since they outnumber her by a ratio of 23 to 1. ;D I am amazed at the skill and maturity of this young violinist who would only become better on her way to a world-reknowned reputation. If you are interested in the career of Ms Annie-Sophie Mutter, this CD will be interesting to you.

This recording sounds fine for what it is: a large group performance of a work originally played by the lesser forces of the Venetian orphanage where Vivaldi taught, conducted, and of course composed. If you especially value period authenticity in a recording this may not be the disk for you.

Related to the question of group size is that of leadership. In Vivaldi's own performances he may well have played the solo part and conducted simultaneously. Here, however, we have Werner Hinck leading the Vienna Philharmonic players, thus allowing Ms. Mutter to concentrate on her solo playing. (Karajan, Read, and Scholz offer continuo support via harpsichord and organ.)

A final probable departure from Vivaldi's early 18th century performances lies in what some have described as a "romanticization" of the music, especially by the soloist. Again, purists may find this unacceptable. On the other hand, this music is being played for 20th and 21st century ears, so it may well be more pleasurable overall than a strictly baroque performance. (For my part, I sense no unpleasant stylistic distractions when listening to this music.)

The liner notes are quite adequate. The digital sound quality is fine and well-balanced, with pleasing spatial disposition. The focus is not particularly close for the group, but Ms. Mutter is miked close enough to provide all the detail and nuance needed.

The bottom line for me is that this is a very satisfying, enjoyable, and artistically valid performance of one of the pillar works of the Italian Baroque. I'm pleased to have it in my collection and, in addition to 4 or 5 other recordings, I enjoy hearing it, especially at the turn of seasons.

Annie Sophie Mutter and Herbert Von Karajan were meant to work together from day one.
Karajan found Her when She was 13 and knew right off She was incredible.
In my opinion this is THE best rendition of Vivaldi 4 Seasons available!
These two together on this Cd is just breath taking!!
I'm sure once you hear it and compare it to others you will agree.

This was also available from Musical Heritage Society MHS in 1998 as a "New Digital Remix"
Originally done on EMI Label in 1984.

I VERY HIGHLY Recommend this Cd for your Collection!

I have listened several versions of the four seasons, this one is pretty good.I like mutte's performance.And the service is good too.

Vivaldis Le Quattro Stagioni or 4 Seasons is a master piece that often is neglected or thought of as merely background music. This is an insult to one of the best pieces of music ever written and the compoisition is much more complex then it is very given credit for. The harpsichord player needs to be a very trained muisician as some of the parts written for this instrument can be considered to be mind boggling in its complexcity and remove one single note and the entire composition for this instrument falls apart. This is a work done by a master composer and should not be missed or dismissed merely because it is not avantgarde enough or that the general public takes it to their hearts. This is a tremendous master work and even if he is not as an accomplished composer as the greats, Mozart, Wagner, Bach and the like, he has still managed to create a piece of music that is truly astounding.

his music is beatiful. I like the four seaons the best