Vivaldi Concertos for Viola D'Amore RV 392-397

Posted by: CFMF on 01 November 2014

There have been some interesting discussions regarding the music of J.S. Bach as of late. There have been some excellent recommendations made, as well as some discussion about whether these compositions should be played on harpsichord or piano.

Staying with the Baroque era, but moving over to Antonio Vivaldi, I would like to recommend these six concertos for viola d'amore. The vast majority of Vivaldi's concertos are for one or more violins, and some of them are particularly fine. These viola d'amore concertos are like a breath of fresh air, and I listen to them often.

A fine recording of these works is by I Solisti Veneti directed by Claudio Scimone. The soloist is Nane Calabrese, and this recording is on the Erato label. So, if you want something slightly different from the Baroque era, here is almost 70 minutes of pure bliss...

 

BBM

 

Posted on: 01 November 2014 by George J

Absolutely true that Vivaldi wrote many [about six hundred allegedly] concertos and all the ones I have come across are splendid!

 

I have a three CD set based on the direction of Trevor Pinnock, and these contain all the instrumental combinations that Vivaldi made concertos for. Absolutely wonderful and joyful music.

 

I agree with BBM! If you can enjoy the Four Season, then it is worth delving deeper. There is a treasure trove here. And I think that many of these rarer concertos are much nicer than the already glorious Four Seasons!

 

ATB from George