Customer Reviews

Vivaldi: The 4 Seasons - Gil Shaham/Orpheus

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

 

 

I was rather surprised to find that there were no reviews for this CD, so I just wanted to add my two cents.

This album of The Four Seasons by Vivaldi, as performed by (the CONDUCTORLESS!!) Orpheus - featuring the amazing Gil Shaham, is absolutely, without a doubt, the very best recording of this particular music I have ever heard, period. It lives and breathes like no other version.

If you have ever considered trying to pick a version of this Vivaldi classic out of the hundreds available, this is the one to get.

I have had this CD for over ten years, and I still find myself listening to it fairly regularly, either in the system at home, or in the MP3 player in my ears.

This is an absolute joy to listen to. Give it a try, you will love it too!

There are already plenty of reviews, and most seem to be pretty much on track. I just want to comment in light of the CDs by Zukerman/St Paul and Chang/Orpheus. Though I rather like all 3 recordings, the Shaham/Orpheus seems to have the most appropriate performance style and sonic perspective. To me it just sounds more "right" than the others (which I still enjoy and rate pretty high). In addition, I re-listened to Mutter/Vienna, Accardo/Camerata Italiana, and Szeryng/English Chamber in trying to choose my favorite (though I have yet to re-hear the I Musici). My conclusion is that if you're buying a Four Seasons for someone as a gift, then this Shaham/Orpheus may be the best bet overall.

About the included video CD-ROM, I can only say it probably isn't worth bothering with. The audio CD itself is the big item here, and it really is outstanding!

P.S. When I did get around to the I Musici recording I was very much impressed with it. It really--despite its age--ranks right up there with the best!