Pretty, Passionless Vivaldiby ClasseekGeek

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June 18, 2009: The Penguin Guide to Classical Music may serve as a useful resource in starting a collection of essential recordings. However, in its recommendations of Vivaldi's Four Seasons it has continually missed the mark. By foremost using Loveday and Marriner's 1970's recording on Decca as a basis to judge subsequent interpretations Penguin Guide has taken the tepid, lukewarm approach to critiqing these works.

Vivaldi is noteworthy for his bold experimentation of various tonal textures and his playful introductions of fantastic solo pieces. Accardo and his soloists take a staid, passionless approach to the music. Regardless of which violin is playing, the tonal palette remains the same from one season to the other. The two remaining concertos for three and four violins are not much different. Sure this is a lovely recording to listen to, but unless you are committed to dozing off before the L'Inverno's largo, you had best settle for some other recording. Perhaps the excellent Fabio Biondi recordings may be just what you need.

I Also Recommend: Vivaldi: Les Quatre Saisons, Vivaldi: Il cimento dell'armonia e dell'invenzione.