Vivaldi: Four Seasons

[Ivor]

thanks for all of this to Fergus and the other contributors. I haven't had time to fully engage with this but the thread and my CD is going nowhere so I'll find time educate myself soon.

[fergus]

Incidentally, those interested in looking at the score can find it here. I've listened to my recordings now and have formed a view, but it will be interesting to see how that translates to the printed page and vice versa.

An excellent idea Simon....well done!

[fergus]

thanks for all of this to Fergus and the other contributors. I haven't had time to fully engage with this but the thread and my CD is going nowhere so I'll find time educate myself soon.

All in good time Ivor....but do get around to it eventually as I would like to read your comments.

[Jared]

I will just say that I haven't gotten around to this thread yet, but will do so within the next few days... I've been bogged down with LvB, Suk, Haydn, Bruch & Martinu over the past 10 days or so... so, when the decks have cleared a little...

[fergus]

These are very polished performances from both the soloist and the orchestra. All of the outer movements are full of energy and drive and they lilt along. The storm scenes are appropriately thunderous and the slow movements are suitably expansive.
This is one of the earliest recordings where I first encountered the violinist Andrew Manze and he plays delightfully throughout the work. I do not know what size the orchestra is but they play really well for Koopman and the sound is very full; they have a very “tight” sound. It is also a lovely warm recording and it is a well recommended version.

There are also two very fine oboe concerti that complete the CD.

[bombasticDarren]

These are very polished performances from both the soloist and the orchestra. All of the outer movements are full of energy and drive and they lilt along. The storm scenes are appropriately thunderous and the slow movements are suitably expansive.
This is one of the earliest recordings where I first encountered the violinist Andrew Manze and he plays delightfully throughout the work. I do not know what size the orchestra is but they play really well for Koopman and the sound is very full; they have a very “tight” sound. It is also a lovely warm recording and it is a well recommended version.

There are also two very fine oboe concerti that complete the CD.

I like the sound of that one Fergus! ;-)

[fergus]

I like the sound of that one Fergus! ;-)

My apologies for putting temption in your way Darren!!!

[fergus]

All of the “effects” in this work are wonderfully portrayed by both the orchestra and soloist in this performance; the chirping birds, the breeze blowing through the trees, that barking dog, the storm scenes etc. Very vivid and evocative pictures seem to be painted here somehow. The playing is obviously very good because of the particular musicians that are playing.
There are 23 musicians in Tafelmusik so the sound is full and the recording is very fine. The overall sound is very bass rich so there is a lovely rich tonal quality to this recording.

The CD also includes the hauntingly beautiful “Al Santo Sepolcro” and also a Concerto for 4 Violins and Cello.

The performances throughout are particularly noteworthy.

[Seán]

The performances throughout are particularly noteworthy.

I am very fond of the Truffles, so I am intrigued by that set.

I will post my thoughts over the weekend.

[Fran]

I've been listening to this version today. The whole feel of the set is far more dynamic and lively, and I would highly recommend it. I got the 24/96 hi-res version, and its a stunning recording. It feels "faster" than the previous recordings - and truthfully, its quite exciting to listen to....



Full details at the link:

http://www.linnrecords.com/recording-th ... asons.aspx


Fran