Vivaldi: The Four Seasons, Concertos (12) Op. 8

On this CD:

1. Violin Concerto ("La Primavera", The Four Seasons) for violin, strings & continuo in E ("Il cimento" No. 1), Op.8/1, RV 269 No. 1, RV 269 "Spring"
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by I Solisti Veneti, Pierre Pierlot, Piero Toso

2. Violin Concerto ("La Primavera", The Four Seasons) for violin, strings & continuo in E ("Il cimento" No. 1), Op.8/1, RV 269 No. 2, RV 315 "Summer"
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by I Solisti Veneti, Pierre Pierlot, Piero Toso

3. Violin Concerto ("L'autunno", The Four Seasons), for violin, strings & continuo in F major ("Il cimento" No. 3), Op.8/3, RV 293 No. 3, RV 293 "Autumn"
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by I Solisti Veneti, Pierre Pierlot, Piero Toso

4. Violin Concerto ("L'inverno", The Four Seasons), for violin, strings & continuo in F minor ("Il cimento" No. 4) Op. 8/4, RV 297 No. 4, RV 297 "Winter"
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by I Solisti Veneti, Pierre Pierlot, Piero Toso

5. Violin Concerto ("La tempesta di mare"), for violin, strings & continuo in E-flat ("Il cimento" No. 5), Op.8/5, RV 253
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by I Solisti Veneti, Pierre Pierlot, Piero Toso

6. Violin Concerto ("Il piacere"), for violin, strings & continuo in C major ("Il Cimento" No. 6), Op. 8/6, RV 180
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by I Solisti Veneti, Pierre Pierlot, Piero Toso

7. Violin Concerto ("Per Pisendel"), for violin, strings & continuo in D minor, Op. 8/7, RV 242
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by I Solisti Veneti, Pierre Pierlot, Piero Toso

8. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in G minor ("Il cimento" No. 8), Op. 8/8, RV 332
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by I Solisti Veneti, Pierre Pierlot, Piero Toso

9. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in D minor ("Il cimento" No. 8), Op. 8/9, RV 236
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by I Solisti Veneti, Pierre Pierlot, Piero Toso

10. Violin Concerto ("La caccia" ), for violin, strings & continuo in B-flat major ("Il cimento" No. 10), Op. 8/10, RV 362
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by I Solisti Veneti, Pierre Pierlot, Piero Toso

11. Violin Concerto ("La Primavera", The Four Seasons) for violin, strings & continuo in E ("Il cimento" No. 1), Op.8/1, RV 269
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by I Solisti Veneti, Pierre Pierlot, Piero Toso

12. Violin Concerto, for violin, strings & continuo in C major ("Il cimento" No. 12), Op. 8/12, RV 178
Composed by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by I Solisti Veneti, Pierre Pierlot, Piero Toso

Tracks:

The Four Seasons: Con No.1 in E, RV 269 'Spring': I. Allegro - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.1 in E, RV 269 'Spring': II. Largo - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.1 in E, RV 269 'Spring': III. Allegro - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.2 in g, RV 315 'Summer': I. Allegro Non Molto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.2 in g, RV 315 'Summer': II. Adagio - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.2 in g, RV 315 'Summer': III. Presto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.3 in F, RV 293 'Autumn': I. Allegro - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.3 in F, RV 293 'Autumn': II. Adagio Molto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.3 in F, RV 293 'Autumn': III. Allegro - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.4 in f, RV 297 'Winter': I. Allegro Non Molto - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.4 in f, RV 297 'Winter': II. Largo - London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Four Seasons: Con No.4 in f, RV 297 'Winter': III. Allegro - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Vn Con in c, RV 199 'Il Sospetto': I. Allegro - Itzhak Perlman
Vn Con in c, RV 199 'Il Sospetto': II. Andante - Itzhak Perlman
Vn Con in c, RV 199 'Il Sospetto': III. Allegro - Itzhak Perlman
Vn Con in a, RV 356: I. Allegro - Itzhak Perlman
Vn Con in a, RV 356: II. Largo - Itzhak Perlman
Vn Con in a, RV 356: III. Presto - Itzhak Perlman
Vn Con in A, RV 347: I. Allegro - Itzhak Perlman
Vn Con in A, RV 347: II. Largo - Itzhak Perlman
Vn Con in A, RV 347: III. Allegro - Itzhak Perlman

Customer Reviews:

plays every day!.......2007-06-14

This tape is played every day in our house at nap time - it is beautiful and wonderful.

Fun.......2007-05-26

I'm not really much in the way of a music expert, but I really enjoyed this cd.

Wonderful recording!.......2007-05-20

I purchased this recording for my grandson, who is studying the Vivaldi Violin Concerto in A minor. This is a fortunate time for instrumental music students, as, through the medium of digital sound, they can purchase a CD and hear the music, as played by world-class players.

The CD technology eliminates the old game of "drop the needle!" Wonderful!

I recently purchased a boxed set of the recorded work of classical clarinetist Reginald Kell. It was wonderful to hear that music again! I lost my LPs in a fire, and never thought I could find them again!

I just love CDs! And thank you, Amazon, for giving us a pipeline to such wonderful music!

If all music were so beautiful.......2007-01-12

Four seasons is one of my favorite pieces. With Itzhak Perlman at the helm, this rendition is flawless as one would rightfully expect.

It's all about the violin concertos.......2006-12-05

Everybody knows "The Four Seasons". Spring is one of the best known classical pieces of all times. Perlman's playing is lovely and the music is superb and famous for a reason, but it is my personal opinion that what is truly wonderful here is the small selection of violin concertos.

These concertos are rather well known to those who are knowledgable in classical music or play an instrument (violin, in this case). To the rest of the world they are much less known, and that is a pity. These are wonderful pieces of music, played incredibly with great sound.

Once you get into the smaller, finer details, you also have to notice the great price that this is offered for. With great famous pieces accompanied by some amazing violin concertos (Il Sospetto is my favorite of them all) at a low price, there is no doubt about it; this is a great CD to purchase.

Average customer rating:

Poor quality recording.
Four Seasons - Ozawa
This is the best recording of "The Four Seasons" I have found yet.
Lovely!
By far the best recording of the Four Seasons

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000003CSU
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Allegro Non Molto
Adagio
Presto
Allegro
Adagio Molto
Allegro
Allegro Non Molto
Largo
Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Poor quality recording........2007-01-19

Right after I load in to CD player. Oh my god! I thought I play my old old LP with my turn table.... there's needle scratch noise. right after finished song before it start next music play shocking needle scratches. somebody made this CD from old LP Wow!!!

Four Seasons - Ozawa.......2006-08-28

The Four Seasons by Vivaldi always provides for 'easy listening'. Hearing it when conducted by Seiji Ozawa makes it even better. I have it on another CD which I now keep in the car, but the CD on which Ozaza conducts the BSO is the one I keep at my computer for near-daily listening.

By the way, your quick, efficient service was noted and is appreciated.

regards,
P.A Mancini

This is the best recording of "The Four Seasons" I have found yet........2006-08-16

I have not yet found a better recording of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" than this one by the Boston Symphony on the Telarc label. It is so clear and crisp and Joel Silverstein will move you with his violin. Highly recommended for any lover of Vivaldi!

Lovely!.......2006-03-13

This is an excellent recording of this work. Crisp, clear sound from world-class performers. I couldn't be more pleased.

By far the best recording of the Four Seasons.......2006-02-03

Head and shoulders above the rest, this recording recieved a grammy nomination. After hearing this CD, I find it difficult to listen to other recordings of The Four Seasons. The playing is extremely tight and doesnt have the over dramatic flair which is so common and unwelcome on other recordings. Just listen to a preview clip of 'Presto' (Summer) on this CD and the various other Four Seasons Offerings here on Amazon and you understand what I am talking about.

Average customer rating:

Accessible and enjoyable Vivaldi

Vivaldi: Four Seasons [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0007PL7WI
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

Allegro
Largo
Allegro
Allegro Non Molto
Adagio/Presto
Presto
Allegro
Adagio Molto
Allegro
Allegro Non Molto
Largo
Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Accessible and enjoyable Vivaldi.......2006-03-19

Vivaldi is practically as synonymous with virtuosic violin arrangements as McDonalds is with fat. Practically. Janine Jansen's arrangements for Vivaldi's Four Seasons is stark, graceful, and engaging- she assigns only one musician per part. The sometimes overwhleming grandeur of fully orchestrated arrangements is appreciatively mellowed, allowing the ear to really hear each musician and their expected "virtuosic" and precise talent. Though mellowed to nearly Starbucks ambiance, the arrangements manage to retain the energy and excitement of Vivaldi in a fresh and accessible new form.

Average customer rating:

Classical Revolution: Concertos
Vivaldi
Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Classical Evolution: Rite of Spring
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ASIN: B000065AO8
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

Concerto No. 1 In E, RV269, Spring
Concerto No. 1 In E, RV269, Spring
Concerto No. 1 In E, RV269, Spring
Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, RV315, Summer
Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, RV315, Summer
Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, RV315, Summer
Concerto No. 3 In F, RV293, Autumn
Concerto No. 3 In F, RV293, Autumn
Concerto No. 3 In F, RV293, Autumn
Concerto No. 4 In F Minor, RV297, Winter
Concerto No. 4 In F Minor, RV297, Winter
Concerto No. 4 In F Minor, RV297, Winter
Sinfonia For Strings And Basso Continuo In G, RV149
Sinfonia For Strings And Basso Continuo In G, RV149
Sinfonia For Strings And Basso Continuo In G, RV149
Sinfonia For Strings And Basso Continuo In B Minor, RV169, Al Santo Sepolcro
Sinfonia For Strings And Basso Continuo In B Minor, RV169, Al Santo Sepolcro
Sinfonia For Strings And Basso Continuo In E, RV132
Sinfonia For Strings And Basso Continuo In E, RV132
Sinfonia For Strings And Basso Continuo In E, RV132
Sinfonia For Strings And Basso Continuo In C, RV112
Sinfonia For Strings And Basso Continuo In C, RV112
Sinfonia For Strings And Basso Continuo In C, RV112

Average customer rating:

Music ALIVE!
Full Circle With Kremer's Eight Seasons
Rapturous
"Eight wonders"
From the River Plate (Rio de la Plata).

Vivaldi and Piazzolla: Eight Seasons

Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000206A4
Release Date: 2000-02-29

Tracks:

'La Primavera' - Concerto In E Major, Op. 8 No. 1: Allegro
'La Primavera' - Concerto In E Major, Op. 8 No. 1: Largo
'La Primavera' - Concerto In E Major, Op. 8 No. 1: Allegro
Verano Porteno: Summer In Buenos Aires
'L'Estate' - Concerto In G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2: Allegro Non Molto
'L'Estate' - Concerto In G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2: Adagio
'L'Estate' - Concerto In G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2: Presto
Otono Porteno: Autumn In Buenos Aires
'L'Autunno' - Concerto In F Major, Op. 8 No. 3: Allegro
'L'Autunno' - Concerto In F Major, Op. 8 No. 3: Adagio Molto
'L'Autunno' - Concerto In F Major, Op. 8 No. 3: Allegro
Invierno Porteno: Winter In Buenos Aires
'L'Invierno' - Concerto In F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4: Allegro Non Molto
'L'Invierno' - Concerto In F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4: Largo
'L'Invierno' - Concerto In F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4: Allegro
Primavera Portena: Spring In Buenos Aires

Amazon.com

Despite global warming, Vivaldi's The Four Seasons is more popular than ever. But it still seems strange that Gidon Kremer and his Kremerata Baltica ensemble--a group that continues to stun us with riveting performances of lesser-heard works--would tackle the tried-and-true baroque masterpiece. Luckily, Kremer inventively separates each Vivaldi season with a corresponding composition from Astor Piazzolla's Four Seasons Suite, making for fascinating comparisons. Kremer's performances of the Vivaldi are remarkable, sounding solid and fresh. And like an infectious Broadway musical, Piazzolla's seasons always seem on the verge of a giddy dance number. Kremer really gets to show off on these tango-inspired pieces, but he's charming throughout. The programming probably won't make this your reference Four Seasons, but for those who love their Vivaldi in small doses or fans of Kremer's Tango Ballet disc, this is a must-have. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Music ALIVE!.......2006-03-12

I really know hardly anything about Argentinan music or Kremer, but I bought this album after I became enraptured with the spring and summer suites at a ballet. My local company created a piece inspired by the works of expatriate artist Amaranth Ehrenhalt and set to alternating Vivaldi and Piazzola selections. I was amazed by how Vivaldi's Seasons took on new life. Everything was vivid and fluid and meshed perfectly with the dance. I recommend this--you can truely feel the seasons alive in all of their glory.
BTW: Rio de la Plata means River of Silver.

Full Circle With Kremer's Eight Seasons.......2005-10-19

Gidon Kremer has been building himself quite the reputation as an interpreter of the music of the late and great Argentine musical polymath, Astor Piazzolla. Here he takes the very well-known Four Seasons of Vivaldi and stands them up to the Four Seasons of Piazzolla and the result is an aural delight.
Most who are reading this are probably curious about this CD for one of two reasons: either they are Vivaldi fans, or they are Piazzolla fans. But who says that being a fan of one has to exclude the other? After you listen to this, you are likely to become a fan of the music of both composers and of Gidon Kremer as well if you were not already.
Being a huge Piazzolla fan,I never tire of hearing different interpretations of one of his most important works. The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires may be born of tango, but it is much more than that. It is a masterful marriage of classical elements with those of tango. Piazzolla could do many things with music and what he has created with his Four Seasons is an electrifying blend that will stand the test of time.
And so here is Gidon Kremer with yet another skillful and faithful interpretation of the both the spirit and the letter of Astor Piazzolla's music, cleverly juxtaposed with that of one of the Old Masters. Kremer brings us full circle with his presentation of the Four Seasons sequences of both composers, beginning with Vivaldi's La Primavera (Spring) and after a musical journey through the year, ending with Primavera Portena (Buenos Aires Spring) so that we finish where we began.
Kremer and his Kremerata Baltica do a virtuoso job throughout. Though I am a partisan of the music of Piazzolla, I enjoy Kremer's interpretation of Vivaldi as well. If you know and love this music as I do, then Eight Seasons merits an esteemed slot in your CD collection.

Rapturous.......2004-07-21

Parts of this recording are so beautiful that when I listen while working, I have to pause what I am doing and close my eyes. I don't remember how I ended up buying this CD (it certainly wasn't planned), but I am so grateful.

My rabbit hates it though. When I listen to it at home, he stamps his feet. So I can only listen to it at work. :(

"Eight wonders".......2003-02-24

Gidon Kremer's musical explorations were very famous from the beginning and during the last few years he is gaining almost a "classical superstar" status. I was a little suspicious about those beautifully packaged CDs with sort of "trendy" and almost too interesting sounding titles for serious classical achievements. BUT!! I couldn't be more wrong. "After Mozart" or "Eight Seasons" seem to be some of the most inspiring recordings I've heard. While listening to "Eight Seasons" at "concert" levels in a privacy of my room, I felt "goose bumps" for several times and I had to laugh out of pleasure, thinking: this is SOOO good. Gidon Kremer and his "baltic fresh" Kremerata Baltica are pursuing and tacking the pure essence of music. Programming the mix of Piazzola and Vivaldi doesn't seem extraordinary anymore. It is pure music, pure joy. Technical bravura and excellent sound are only side things. Tango nuevo - widely popularized music form and one of the most (ab)used baroque masterpieces join as one in a fresh and artistically meaningful entity. What more can we wish for ?
Piazzola sounds energetic and powerful and Vivaldi the freshest out of numerous interpretetions. Mixed in an interesting sequence they form a new "Opus".

I also strongly recommend "After Mozart" with its mixture of contemporary music and timeless, for many "godlike" Mozart. A recording that makes him human and even more divine at the same time.

From the River Plate (Rio de la Plata)........2002-11-10

The River Plate, an akward translation from the spanish "Rio de la Plata", is the widest river on the world. It both separates and bonds Buenos Aires with Montevideo, capitals cities of Argentina and Uruguay respectively. If I could ask Billy Joel how would he name this river, I think that much alike his excellent album "River of Dreams", he would call it "River of Tango".
Yesterday night I attended Mr. Kremer and the Baltic Kamerata's performance, where in addition to Mahler's 10th Adaggio, they played these "eight seasons". I think that for Mr. Kremer and his ensemble, coming to play to South America and precisely to the birthplace of tango, could be a "tour the force".
Well, he & the Kamerata were magnificient, classy. He kept us on our feet, applauding, for more than fifteen minutes.
This CD has capture the thrilling of his live performances.It is the kind of recording that becomes a milestone in our "audio memory", as Mr. Karajan liked to say. Enjoy it.

Average customer rating:

A Must!
great music
The one you need

Best of the Canadian Brass

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000026Z3
Release Date: 1989-11-20

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Vespers Of The Blessed Virgin: Deus in adjutorium - Monteverdi
Canzon V - Canadian Brass
Canon In D - Pachelbel
Le Nozze Di Figaro, K. 492: Overture - Mozart
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Ave Verum Corpus - Mozart
Die Zauberflote: Der Holle Rache - Mozart
Exultate Jubilate: Alleluia - Mozart
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The Four Seasons: I - Allegro (Spring) - Canadian Brass
The Four Seasons: II - Largo (Winter) - Canadian Brass
The Four Seasons: III - Presto (Summer) - Canadian Brass
The Four Seasons: IV - Allegro (Autumn) - Canadian Brass
Contrapunctus I (Andante Sostenuto) - Bach
Contrapunctus XIII (Rectus, Allegro Spiritoso) - Bach
Basin Street Blues - Canadian Brass
Chinatown, My Chinatown - Canadian Brass
Just A Closer Walk With Thee - Traditional
The Saints' Halleluja - Canadian Brass

Customer Reviews:

A Must!.......2004-12-28

This is a must have for any fan of brass instrumentals. (Especially if you are a fan of the Canadian Brass.)

great music.......2000-12-18

I just bought this cd yesterday and i love it already. as a trumpeter, i can really enjoy and appreciate the music they perform. i was quite intrigued hearing canon in D (currently playing right now on my stereo), et al.

The one you need.......2000-06-26

If you are to buy only 1 CD for Brass Enemble, Get this! It captured the BEST of the Candian Brass (one of the top brass enemble in the world). It has all the nice tunes, e.g. Four Seasons, Cannon in D, etc. Strongly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Experience and energy
An interesting "Four Seasons"...
There are better 4 Seasons out there!
Definitive and Sublime
You've Tried The Rest, Now Try The Best

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000001G7I
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Concerto In E Major - Spring: Allegro
Concerto In E Major - Spring: Largo
Concerto In E Major - Spring: Allegro
Concerto In G Minor - Summer: Allegro Non Molto - Allegro
Concerto In G Minor - Summer: Adagio
Concerto In G Minor - Summer: Presto
Concerto In F Major - Autumn: Allegro
Concerto In F Major - Autumn: Adagio Molto
Concerto In F Major - Autumn: Allegro
Concerto In F Minor - Winter: Allegro Non Molto
Concerto In F Minor - Winter: Largo
Concerto In F Minor - Winter: Allegro

Amazon.com

While it may not be the most rewarding way to approach this music in the long run, having four star violinists dish up a season apiece is a lot of fun, especially if you're interested in comparing styles and sounds. Mintz is bright and wiry; Perlman rich, brilliant and intense; Zukerman dark and suave; and Stern has that marvelous, warm, "old-school" sound with an almost vocal vibrato. And the violins of the Israel Philharmonic? They play as though every one of them could step up and take a solo, no doubt because having four luminaries on the stage made them want to give of their best. While the interpretations, individually and collectively, don't offer much that is new or remarkable, the sense of occasion is palpable. DG's live recording, made at the Huberman Festival in Israel in 1982, is nicely balanced and quite atmospheric. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Experience and energy.......2007-05-04

The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi is so familiar to listeners of orchestral music that mention of the work is likely to get a few eye rolls, or even yawns, and all this exposure to the Seasons means there are a lot of recordings in the musical domain. So, with all these recordings, which one best represents Vivaldi's intent? There are two reasons this performance is the best Le quattro stagioni. The first reason is the amount of experience and talent the solo violinists brought to the work. The culmination of decades-long familiarity is easy to hear with artists like Pinchas Zukerman and Itzhak Perlman, and then add the gift of genius in Isaac Stern and Shlomo Mintz. Not often considered, also, this recording is of a live performance, the Huberman Festival in 1982, and the audience provides an infusion of energy to where every passage is crisp and clean and passionate. The final allegro in Autumn, for example, is so bright, so resplendently paced, that there has to be some unknown force of perfection at play. It was the audience, listening, interacting with their minds, helping the musicians to release the music to a sort of cumulative, artistic intuition.

An interesting "Four Seasons"..........2006-01-21

In this curious album, Maestro Zubin Mehta and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra invte a party of four of the most talented male violinists to perform Antonio Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" and have each of them do one of the seasons. In this live recording (there is also an applause after the end of each music), Stern (one of my favorite violinists) starts off in the spotlight with "Spring", Zukerman awes us with "Summer", Mintz delights us with "Autumn", and Perlman (my other favorite) shines and round off the cycle with "Winter". While some listeners (including myself) may dislike the relatively slow and heavy tempo in contrast to other lighter recordings (including Shaham with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, in my opinion the best performance of the cycle), it's interesting to listen to and feel the four soloist's different insights. It's worth listening.

There are better 4 Seasons out there!.......2003-07-24

I really love Isaac Stern and Itzhak Perlman, but I think they were both having an "off" day here--this isn't a particularly good Four Seasons. Much better, and far more inspired recording of the Four Seasons is the Trevor Pinnock/Simon Standage recording on Archiv records. Get that one!

Definitive and Sublime.......2003-07-13

This one is for the ages. The four violinists bring out the best in one another without compromising their own timbre. The Israel Philharmonic, always one of the world's top five five orchestras, shines brilliantly proving again Toscanini's statement that the Israel Philharmonic and an orchestra of soloists. The applause is annoying but you forget it quickly.

You've Tried The Rest, Now Try The Best.......2003-01-07

The Four Seasons is a Baroque masterpiece, at paar with all the classic compositions from Bach and Handel. Antonio Vivaldi created, without knowing it, in theory, the first musical tone poem. He was describing through music (primarily a string orchestra) the four seasons-winter, spring, summer and fall, describing what could have been the lines of a poem, or four different scenes. On this recording, with the prestigious label and the virtuouso violinists Iztak Pearlman and Isaac Stern, the experience is the best. Baroque perfection. As is the case with all my reviews, I will discuss the structure of the piece and give my thoughts as to the quality of this particular recording. I have already judged it terrific, and truly the best recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Now it's up to you to hear the recording and get the desire to listen to the whole thing, not just for leisure, but for inspiration and for music appreciation.

The winter movements are appropriately slow, bleak, chilly, you can almost feel the frost on the ground and the snow falling slowly over hazy skies. The faster movements denote a snowstorm, there is no one out in such invernal conditions. The adagio movement is a description of a house with a warm fire burning during the cold front. The soothing strings and the faint quality of the piece can be like a dream. It's truly Vivaldi's most romantic piece.

The spring movement is by far the most joyful. The trees are full of leaves again, the snow has melted and the flowers bloom in the fields. The country folk return to their activities and romance seems to be in the air. The allegro movement is the most famous of the movements, an elegant, virtuosic and brilliant piece for strings, with an accent on the continuo. The spring movement is best heard over a relaxing state- drinking tea, a bubble bath, a dinner, and the same thing can be said about the slower movements of all the Four Seasons. Finally, the summer and fall movements are chalk-full of rich melody, the summer "storm" movement dark and lush, its theme on the rapid violin scale has been featured in films and Deberrs Diamonds commercials. Full of counterpoint, flowing melodies, charming adagios, the Four Seasons makes up the best of Baroque. Vivaldi's creed was forever made upon this composition. I strongly suggest you get this recording. It is for music lovers, for classical music collectors and perfect to relaxe to after a long day at work. Take my word for it. I teach music and dance. Five stars well deserved and kudos to the great masters of the violin, Pearlman and Stern.

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons/Fritz Kreisler: Concerto for Violin
Average customer rating:

A great piece of work

Juicy, sumptuous and especially Dramatic

Reply to Nutmegger

Why has the Penguin Guide ignored this top-notch recording??!!

One of the best performances of Vivaldi's Timeless Masterpiece

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons/Fritz Kreisler: Concerto for Violin
Joanna Jenner , Ping-How Liang , Melissa Meell , Adela Pena , and Todd Phillips
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001GME
Release Date: 1995-02-07

Tracks:

The 4 Seasons: Spring - Concerto In E Major, Op.8, No.1, RV 269: 1. Allegro
The 4 Seasons: Spring - Concerto In E Major, Op.8, No.1, RV 269: 2. Largo e pianissimo sempre
The 4 Seasons: Spring - Concerto In E Major, Op.8, No.1, RV 269: 3. Danza pastorale: Allegro
The 4 Seasons: Summer - Concerto In G Minor, Op.8, No.2, RV 315: 1. Allegro non molto
The 4 Seasons: Summer - Concerto In G Minor, Op.8, No.2, RV 315: 2. Adagio - Presto
The 4 Seasons: Summer - Concerto In G Minor, Op.8, No.2, RV 315: 3. Presto
The 4 Seasons: Autumn - Concerto In F Major, Op.8, No.3 Rv 293: 1. Allegro
The 4 Seasons: Autumn - Concerto In F Major, Op.8, No.3 Rv 293: 2. Adagio molto
The 4 Seasons: Autumn - Concerto In F Major, Op.8, No.3 Rv 293: 3. Allegro
The 4 Seasons: Winter - Concerto In F Minor, Op.8, No.4, RV 297: 1. Allegro non molto
The 4 Seasons: Winter - Concerto In F Minor, Op.8, No.4, RV 297: 2. Largo
The 4 Seasons: Winter - Concerto In F Minor, Op.8, No.4, RV 297: 3. Allegro
Concerto For Violin: Allegro moderato e maestoso
Concerto For Violin: Andante doloroso
Concerto For Violin: Allegro assai

Customer Reviews:

A great piece of work.......2006-05-24

I don't pretend to understand all the nuances of classical music. But as a listener I really enjoy it. That said, this piece by Gil is a fantastic piece. I have heard several other "Four Season" recordings, and since I have listened to this one, there are no equals (to me anyway).

Juicy, sumptuous and especially Dramatic.......2006-04-29

Of the myriad of modern-instrument Vivaldi Seasons recordings available, this Gil Shaham recording is just about as good as it gets. Perhaps it eclipses previous recordings by Nigel Kennedy and the Decca recording with Marriner. Shaham scores points over all his modern-instrument rivals with a true spirit of collaboration with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, as if their playing were taking them on a voyage into Vivaldi's picturesque world. Their playing is always fresh-sounding, youthful, alert and spontaneous, and rhythms are well-sprung.

Throughout this performance, we hear how Shaham and Orpheus give their all in bringing out the very best in Vivaldi's score. The spirit that pervades the whole performances beguiles us from the first, positive bars of the Spring concerto, where we can truly feel the embrace of Spring's awakening. Summer is given a suitably dramatic performance, and one can feel the Orpheus players revelling in the ferocity of the summer storm that ravages the land, complete with Shaham's poignant commentaries, especially when portraying the hapless shepherd farmer who loses his corn to the summer storm. Autumn has a suitably rustic atmosphere, with Shaham doing double-duty as tipsy drunkard and fleeing beast during the fiercely vigorous hunting finale. And Winter allows us to feel the true contrasts, with Shaham's technical brilliance in the outer movements contrasting with the sheer lyricism of the slow movement, while the Orpheus playwers ably evoke the cold, bleak atmosphere of the sonnet. The DG recording is clear and beautifully balanced, and the Kreisler concerto makes an unusual and controversial fill-up, together with the bonus CD-Rom of the Winter video. Yet I would have liked there to be the bonus CD of Shaham talking about the music and introducing each concerto, as it would have been more illuminating.

All told, this superb CD should stand as a fresh, artistic success of a modern-instrument Vivaldi Seasons, due to the performers' ability to engage themselves with Vivaldi's soundworld. There is always rhythmic control and you feel that the sense of structure is there. Perhaps this should be the modern-instrument equivalent of Trevor Pinnock's equally celebrated version...

Reply to Nutmegger.......2005-10-14

I've listened to this cd many times, and have enjoyed each time more and more. I also listened while reading the score, and I have to point out that Gil has actually ad libbed a LOT in this recording. To me, it sounds like he was attempting to add a bit of romanticism to an early classical concerto. Some may think that's sacriledge, but I myself think it's a clear indication of the man's ingeniuity and sheer mastery of what you consider 'too much perfection'. I'm sorry, but that seems a bit absurd to me. I've heard people complain about Karajan's interpretations as being too beautiful, but never about someone being too perfect. Honestly, I think your initial reaction was right on. I encourage you to re-examine....hopefully, not while you're doing laundry. :-)

Why has the Penguin Guide ignored this top-notch recording??!!.......2005-08-28

In my opinion, this rendition ranks alongside those by Mutter, Lamon and Perlman, in any possible way. But why has the "authoritative" Penguin Guide ignored this CD and excluded it from its reviews?

One of the best performances of Vivaldi's Timeless Masterpiece.......2005-08-01

When I first saw the cover, the name "Gil Shaham" and "Orpheus" instantly caught my attention. Mr. Shaham, although not my favorites (Including Stern and Perlman), has become one of the prominent violinists today and still may be in the years to come. I loved his performance on the Sibelius' Violin Concerto and Bartok's second. I've heard several recordings from the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, one of my favorite chamber orchestras, and all sounded lush and beautiful, especially Copland's Appalachian Spring Suite.

The performance on this album was very good, and this can be one of the best performances of Vivaldi's Timeless Masterpiece. As usual, the Orpheus sounded great, and Mr. Shaham too showed his virtuosity - all had dynamics, phrasing, etc. The tempo overall of the pieces are more jaunty and fast in feeling, contrast to the more mellow I Musici (my other favorite chamber orchestra) recordings, but I prefer a more upbeat tempi anyway. My highlights include the first movement from "Spring", the violent third from "Summer", a serene second from "Autunm", and finally the climatic thrid from "Winter"...

Take a listen and you'll probably love it too. One of the best discographies from both music superstars, Gil Shaham and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.

Vivaldi for Valentines: Romantic Interludes for the One You Love

Average customer rating:

More of Vivaldi's great music.
Just great!
Heard "Four Seasons"? Want more? GET THIS!

Vivaldi for Valentines: Romantic Interludes for the One You Love

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Chopin and Champagne: Set Your Mood for Romance
Rachmaninoff for Romance: Passionate Music for Love and Desire
Tchaikovsky At Tea Time: A Refreshing Blend For Body And Spirit
Liszt for Lovers: Piano Dreams of Love and Passion
Bach for Breakfast

ASIN: B0000041ER
Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

The Four Seasons: (Winter): Largo
Guitar Concerto in D: Largo
Flute Concerto In D (II gardellino): Cantabile
Concerto In C For Diverse Instruments: Andante molto
String Concerto in G minor: Andante molto
Concerto in D for 2 violins & 2 cellos: Largo
Oboe & Violin Concerto in G minor: Larghetto
Guitar Concerto in A minor: Laro
Triple Violin Concerto in F: Andante
Flute Concerto in F: Largo
Viola d'amore Concerto in D minor: Largo
Violin Concerto in E (II riposo): Allegro
Oboe & Bassoon Concerto in G: Largo
Violin Concerto No. 6 in B-flat: Largo
Concerto in A for Guitar, Violin, Viola & Cello: Larghetto
Violin Concerto in E (L'amoroso): Allegro
Flute Concerto No.4 in G: Largo
Violin Concerto in A (with echo violin): Larghetto
Violin Concerto in C minor (II sospetto): Andante
Double Oboe Concerto in A minor: Largo
Concerto in G minor for the Dresden Orchestra: Largo non molto
Violin Concerto in A minor: Largo
Oboe Concerto In C: Adagio
Flue Concerto No.2 in G minor (La notte): Largo

Amazon.com

Another installment in Philips's Set Your Life to Music series (which has included Mozart for Your Mind, Baroque at Bathtime, and Rachmaninoff for Romance, among others), Vivaldi for Valentines is loosely built around the aura of romance that Venice continues to evoke. Vivaldi captured it for all time in his music, inspired by the often melancholy beauty of his native city, one that has been known through the ages as La Serenissima. Along with such ultrafamiliar pieces as the "Winter" largo movement from The Four Seasons (in which the violin sighs a rapturous melody against sounds imitating a crackling, cozy fire) and the Largo of the Guitar Concerto in D--Vivaldi's slow movements, with all their gentle dreaminess, being given the limelight in this compilation--are many gems you've likely not heard before. The list of performers and approaches is too expansive even to mention but predominantly features performances by I Musici. It's hard to believe that Vivaldi's music, having sunk into oblivion, resurfaced again only a few decades ago. This is a pleasant compilation that makes a perfect entrée if you'd like to learn more about classical music--and Vivaldi in particular--than The Four Season. And, as for setting a romantic mood, this will give your mojo all the help it needs. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

More of Vivaldi's great music........2001-08-24

When it comes to Vivaldi's works, the majority of people usually tend to associate him solely with composing the Four Seasons. However, this particular cd will introduce classical music lovers to other music that he composed for various stringed instruments, including the violin and cello. It does include a section from Winter of the Four Seasons, but the rest is other music that some may not be too familiar with. For a low price, you'll be getting a great selection of music.

Just great!.......2000-07-10

I don't really know a lot about classical music even though I listen to a lot of it. All I can say is that every piece on this collection evokes a tremendous amount of peace and happy emotion. I listen to it in my office, and that in combination with my new fountain.... better than Prozac. My favorite piece is "Concerto for Guitar in D major: Largo" (sample #2 above). Highly recommend!

Heard "Four Seasons"? Want more? GET THIS!.......1999-03-16

Almost everyone knows Vivaldi's "Four Seasons". If you love that gorgeous piece of music, than I say your next purchase should be this! It is a gorgeous collecton of string quartets along with flutes and very impressive classical guitar. I put it on whenever I need to be taken away from this world, or when I need some artistic inspiration.

Average customer rating:

New life to a brilliant sypmhonic classic!
Another gorgeous Loussier reinvention
The Perfect Marriage
Amazing performance
The neglected Moe Koffman album

The Four Seasons

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003D5U
Release Date: 1997-02-25

Tracks:

Spring, Concerto No.1 In E Major: Allegro
Spring, Concerto No.1 In E Major: Largo
Spring, Concerto No.1 In E Major: Allegro/Danza Pastorale
Summer, Concerto No.2 In G Minor: Allegro Non Molto
Summer, Concerto No.2 In G Minor: Adagio
Summer, Concerto No.2 In G Minor: Presto
Autumn, Concerto No.3 In F Major: Allegro
Autumn, Concerto No.3 In F Major: Adagio Molto
Autumn, Concerto No.3 In F Major: Allegro
Winter, Concerto No.4 In F Minor: Allegro Non Molto
Winter, Concerto No.4 In F Minor: Largo
Winter, Concerto No.4 In F Minor: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

New life to a brilliant sypmhonic classic!.......2002-12-08

On a Jazz radio program I had the good fortune of being tuned-in to, along came the music of a pianist by the name of Jacques Loussier. A smile came to my face as I heard Vivaldi's music elegantly dressed in a Jazz suit, complete with the goatee. Imagine that, my favorite classical (actually, Baroque) piece of all time, jazzified!! I had to run and get this CD. Loussier is absolutely amazing, his adaptation and execution of the complex string-section lines are absolutely amazing. Bassist Vincent Charbonnier seems a well-spring of creativity as he gracefully underpins such a master with very original lines. Drummer Andre Arpino is also excellent, and to me, some of his solo section runs sound a bit like John Bonham of Led Zeppelin!! Overall, an intriguing, wonderful ride through a very well-known work, given new life via the Jazz idiom.

Another gorgeous Loussier reinvention.......2002-11-17

Decades ago, starting with "Play Bach," I have loved Loussier's interpretations of Bach classics in a respectfully inventive re-rendering of the music in jazz. It was "fusion" in its earliest form--honoring the old form by retaining parts of the classical style and offering other parts in jazz improvisation.

Now, to my delight, I've just found his interpretation of "The Four Seasons" and it's pure pleasure. Loussier is the consummate musician/composer and he gives the Vivaldi that is so familiar a different spin that makes the Seasons entirely new.

Whether you love classic or jazz, or both, don't miss this CD. You'll hear something new and inspired each time you play it.
Most highly recommended.

The Perfect Marriage.......2002-10-31

I don't know how you could better fuse the aesthetics of baroque and jazz. Loussier isn't trying to reproduce Vivaldi's original score in a jazz style (even if that's possible, I don't know why you'd want to--the original chamber orchestra version is just fine), but instead uses the music as a foundation for building something new. The result is smooth and sophisticated, improvisational in character as jazz should be, yet faithful to the melodies, moods and dynamics of each of the "Four Season's" twelve movements.

Right from the opening phrases of "Spring"--a melody that nearly everyone in the Western World over the age thirty must have heard at least once in their life, if only on a TV commercial--we know that something is up. Loussier eases into the highly recognizable tune in a way that fools us--wait, a second, this isn't the "Four Season's"--until we see how he has cleverly taken the essence of the melody and showed it to us in a different way. As a result we are rewarded both with a skilled musician's insight on the music theory underlying Vivaldi's creation, as well as a listening experience that can be enjoyed for itself. If you want to, you can make a game of following the original themes as they surface throughout the movements. But if you are unfamiliar with the complete "Four Seasons," you can just pretend it's a whole new piece of music.

I find the length and pacing of the movements to be ideally suited for a jazz album, and the work of all three musicians consistently tasteful and inventive--something I cannot say unequivocally about the 40th Anniversary "Bach Book" album. I hate to speak in terms of absolutes, but at the moment I am inclined to proclaim this my favorite Jacques Loussier CD. But who knows? It could change with the next.

Amazing performance.......2001-05-24

This CD is one of my first CD in Jazz. The performance and the recording qulity are amazing. On a scale of 1 to 5 stars my rate is 6!!!

The neglected Moe Koffman album.......2000-07-10

Those who have not heard the earlier "Four Seasons" album by the Canadian jazz saxophonist, Moe Koffman, are not really in a position to evaluate the Loussier effort. Although there is merit in the Loussier recording, it cannot be considered to be in the same ball park as the Koffman album, from the standpoint of both jazz and the great Vivaldi. The Koffman album has been, in my experience, extremely difficult to find, but any suggestions along this line would be most appreciated.

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