Tír Na HiFi

This recording is one that I will certainly return to. I read Fergus' programme notes whilst listening, and although I can notice most of the details intended by Vivaldi I still view the pieces as excellent concertos in their own right. Having thought about it I know realise that any form of programme music is troublesome for me. A piece by Straus that I struggle with is Don Quixote - I am sure this is because so much of the value of that piece is bound up in the storytelling. I just don't have an approach to music that thinks pictorially. All that said, this takes no praise away from Le quattro staggioni - a piece I now appreciate more, purely as music of course, after having engaged in some focussed listening thanks to this thread.

The performance here by Biondi et al is pretty hard to top, I think. The music is played not so much at a furious pace, but with furious intensity. The recording is superbly crisp and all the detail is presented to the listener. I would recommend it...

Fran wrote: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

Although I have not heard that recording I have heard Amandine Beyer playing and she is excellent so I am not surprised that this would be a good version.

bombasticDarren wrote: This recording is one that I will certainly return to. I read Fergus' programme notes whilst listening, and although I can notice most of the details intended by Vivaldi I still view the pieces as excellent concertos in their own right. Having thought about it I know realise that any form of programme music is troublesome for me. A piece by Straus that I struggle with is Don Quixote - I am sure this is because so much of the value of that piece is bound up in the storytelling. I just don't have an approach to music that thinks pictorially. All that said, this takes no praise away from Le quattro staggioni - a piece I now appreciate more, purely as music of course, after having engaged in some focussed listening thanks to this thread.

That is a very interesting post Darren. The problematic aspect of programme music that you describe is not one that I have come across before and one that I personally have difficulty in comprehending as I am a totally visual person. I tend to have to see things; I need to see a problem and also to see the solution.
I visualise all music as well, not just programme music. Is that weird?

bombasticDarren wrote:

The performance here by Biondi et al is pretty hard to top, I think. The music is played not so much at a furious pace, but with furious intensity. The recording is superbly crisp and all the detail is presented to the listener. I would recommend it...

I have two versions by Biondi and that is exactly how I would describe both of them Darren. I think that is a hallmark of the man.

fergus wrote:

bombasticDarren wrote: This recording is one that I will certainly return to. I read Fergus' programme notes whilst listening, and although I can notice most of the details intended by Vivaldi I still view the pieces as excellent concertos in their own right. Having thought about it I know realise that any form of programme music is troublesome for me. A piece by Straus that I struggle with is Don Quixote - I am sure this is because so much of the value of that piece is bound up in the storytelling. I just don't have an approach to music that thinks pictorially. All that said, this takes no praise away from Le quattro staggioni - a piece I now appreciate more, purely as music of course, after having engaged in some focussed listening thanks to this thread.

That is a very interesting post Darren. The problematic aspect of programme music that you describe is not one that I have come across before and one that I personally have difficulty in comprehending as I am a totally visual person. I tend to have to see things; I need to see a problem and also to see the solution.
I visualise all music as well, not just programme music. Is that weird?

I see music too Fergus, just not the pictures the composers intend!

I will just start by saying that this afternoon, I have been revisting the two Versions of Le Quattro Stagioni, which I own:





these are versions I particularly enjoy, as they are both performed to the highest standards, in an authentic HIP mould, with instruments which Vivaldi would have recognised. The Hogwood version is of particular interest, as each season is lead by a different soloist, with 3 original instruments dating from the late 17th and early 18th centuries and one replica.

^^ I never seem to have got around to buying that Pinnock disc - I surely must at some point.

I wonder if anyone has a view on Italian ensembles' readings of this work in comparison to those fromother countries. Is there a difference in approach?

bombasticDarren wrote:^^ I never seem to have got around to buying that Pinnock disc - I surely most at some point.

remarkably, I saw a copy in VGC in a charity shop in Swaffham for 50p about a month ago, but didn't buy it because I didn't know who I'd send it to!

bombasticDarren wrote: I wonder if anyone has a view on Italian ensembles' readings of this work in comparison to those fromother countries. Is there a difference in approach?

yes, it's a good question... particularly this version:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vivaldi-Quattro ... 060&sr=1-1

anyone own it?

Jared wrote:

That is one of my favourite versions.