Vivaldi: The Four Seasons [Original recording reissued]

Antonio Vivaldi (Composer), Giovanni Antonini (Conductor), Il Giardino Armonico (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Il Giardino Armonico
• Conductor: Giovanni Antonini
• Composer: Antonio Vivaldi
• Audio CD (October 25, 1994)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued
• Label: Teldec
• ASIN: B000000SPU
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #155,010 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in E major ('La Primavera,' The Four Seasons; 'Il cimento' No. 1), Op.8/1, RV 269: 1.

2. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in E major ('La Primavera,' The Four Seasons; 'Il cimento' No. 1), Op.8/1, RV 269: 2.

3. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in E major ('La Primavera,' The Four Seasons; 'Il cimento' No. 1), Op.8/1, RV 269: 3.

4. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in G minor ('L'estate,' The Four Seasons; 'Il cimento' No. 2), Op. 8/2, RV 315: 1. Al

5. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in G minor ('L'estate,' The Four Seasons; 'Il cimento' No. 2), Op. 8/2, RV 315: 2. Ad

6. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in G minor ('L'estate,' The Four Seasons; 'Il cimento' No. 2), Op. 8/2, RV 315: 3. Pr

7. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in F major ('L'autunno,' The Four Seasons; 'Il cimento' No. 3), Op.8/3, RV 293: 1st

8. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in F major ('L'autunno,' The Four Seasons; 'Il cimento' No. 3), Op.8/3, RV 293: 2nd

9. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in F major ('L'autunno,' The Four Seasons; 'Il cimento' No. 3), Op.8/3, RV 293: 3rd

10. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in F minor ('L'inverno,' The Four Seasons; 'Il cimento' No. 4), Op. 8/4, RV 297: All

11. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in F minor ('L'inverno,' The Four Seasons; 'Il cimento' No. 4), Op. 8/4, RV 297: Lar

12. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in F minor ('L'inverno,' The Four Seasons; 'Il cimento' No. 4), Op. 8/4, RV 297: All

13. Oboe Concerto, for oboe, strings & continuo in D minor, Op. 8/9, RV 454: Allegro moderato

14. Oboe Concerto, for oboe, strings & continuo in D minor, Op. 8/9, RV 454: Largo

15. Oboe Concerto, for oboe, strings & continuo in D minor, Op. 8/9, RV 454: Allegro

16. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in G minor ('Il cimento' No. 8), Op. 8/8, RV 332: I. Allegro

17. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in G minor ('Il cimento' No. 8), Op. 8/8, RV 332: II. Largo

18. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in G minor ('Il cimento' No. 8), Op. 8/8, RV 332: III. Allegro

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars unusual, excellent Vivaldi, April 4, 2002

By 

new music guy (NY, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vivaldi: The Four Seasons (Audio CD)

Given that this is one of the most popular works of classical music of all time, I'd heard Vivaldi's 4 Seasons so often that I had no interest in hearing them again. Ever. But when I got this disc as a gift and popped it in, I was pleasantly surprised. This recording, despite being played on period instruments, is not for baroque purists. The dynamic contrasts are incredible, but tend to be on the hacking side in the louder sections. The group freely moves back and forth between ponticello and tasto, and many of the tempi are absurdly fast or slow compared to your average performance. Many of the movements have little gimmicks, most of which are interesting, but unsuccessful, such as the "barking dog" in the slow movement of Spring, an accurate description from a reviewer below. Onofri's violin solos are technically excellent, though occasionally gritty and often rhythmically quirky... the end result is that I love this music again, a change for the better. For an introduction to Vivaldi or period instrument performances, stay away. For a 4 Seasons that will revitalize you and forever alter the way you conceive of the piece, this is an essential recording.

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spectacular, October 24, 2001

By 

Jonathan J. Casey (the twin cities) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Vivaldi: The Four Seasons (Audio CD)

This is, above all, my favorite recording of "The Four Seasons." If you've heard that Il Giardino Armonico is a ground-breaking ensemble, the proof is in this CD. Enrico Onofri's violin solos are stunningly articulate and nuanced, and the small ensemble makes an unexpectedly big noise. The continuo is varied (bassoon, cello, theorbo, organ, harpsichord) which lends this rendition a deep texture not found in most recordings. My only complaint is that the viola "barking dog" in the slow movement of "Spring" is far too harsh. On the other hand, the opening of "Winter" is played in such an odd and spooky way that, once you hear it, you'll never be satisfied with the status quo again. This disc has been out-of-print for awhile. Ignore the cheesy cover, pick it up now ..., and have yourself a foot-stomping good time.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dramatic Passion, June 9, 2007

By 

Biberfan "Fan of Biber" (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vivaldi: The Four Seasons (Audio CD)

Historically, we need to understand where this recording came from... I'm not talking about the history of Vivaldi, per se, but of modern recordings of his 4 seasons.

Nigel Kennedy started it... with his 1989 recording on modern instruments. This interpretation is a reaction to that. It was the first on period instruments to match Kennedy's creativity and intensity. It's darker, however, and here the whole ensemble is involved ,not just the soloist.

Onofri is my favorite violinist.

The 2nd recording by Biondi with Europa galante is my favorite 4 seasons. But this is nonetheless a good recording and interpretation. I own quite a few... everything this ensemble touches glitters... and this is no exception.