Customer Reviews

Vivaldi: Musica per mandolino e liuto (Vivaldi Edition)

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

 

 

The majority of the works presented here were recorded and originally released over a decade ago. Only the two concertos featuring mandolin are newly recorded.
It is a pity that the recording dates are not clearly noted on the outer sleeve, as this would make it clear that this is basically a re-release, with just a few tracks added. Many will buy this thinking it is a new look at the lute concertos from Lislevand, when in fact it is the old one in disguise.
Having said that, the older release is now hard-to-find and was exceptionally good. It was only spoiled by very short playing time. So it could be argued that fault has now been addressed and the new mandolin concerto recordings make a welcome, belated and easily-accomodated entry to fill out the disc.
The mandolin movements are handled in typical Lislevand style, full of flair and total command. The sound does not clash with the earlier recordings, despite the definite benefits a decade has given to the newer recordings.
No Lislevand admirer will be disappointed with his latest work. It's just a pity that for most of his followers, two-thirds of this CD will already be in their libraries.
However, for those coming to Lislevand's Vivaldi recordings for the first time, this is the full package and no better CD of this repertoire is to be found.

This is a great record. I bought it for track #2 which is amazing. It proves that Vivaldi is much more than The Four Seasons. The sound quality is remarkable, and I love the artwork. Highly recommended.

Lislevand playes old-style mandolino here, using fingertips only, no plectrum/quill. Because very few play that way today, he recorded both parts himself. If tou don't think too much about that, this is one the best Vivaldi-recordings ever.

Excellent, varied chamber performances. I am an audiophile, and this has become my #1 reference disc due it's superb recording quality. This CD gives the coveted feeling of the musicians being in the room with you if you have the appropriate audio equipment. The musicians exhibit excellent taste and give wonderful feeling and life to these compositions. I have listened to this disc repeatedly without tiring of it, which isn't something I typically do.

There must be tens of thousands of available samples of Vivaldi's music to choose from, and billions of CDs and LPs worldwide. I have a number of them myself and enjoy the various 'interpretations' of my favorite pieces by this composer and the varied levels of recording/playback quality and the actual performances themselves - do they have the 'joy' and excitement that is emotionally palpable immediately upon listening?
This disc is one of 'those' recordings. The music transported me and put a HUGE smile on my face - this isn't "boring" Vivaldi. This stands out - the performances, the players, the recording quality and production are ALL what is called "World Class". My thanks to Astree of France and their magnificent 'early music' label, naive (sorry, I don't have the double dots to go over the 'i' in naive)!!!
If you were going to be stranded on the proverbial 'deserted island with only a few CDs to listen to, this would be one I'd really need. And one more bonus is the very beautiful woman on the cover(I think Vivaldi would like it too!).