Vivaldi: Concertos
This dazzling new CD features five Vivaldi violin concertos that have never before been recorded. (He composed almost 250!) Giuliano Carmignola, backed by the Venice Baroque Orchestra led by Andrea Marcon offer a program of such thrilling energy and virtuosity that it's impossible not to get caught up in their passion for the music. Carmignola attacks this music with the expressivity of a superb Italian tenor; his control over dynamics, fast runs, and leaps are remarkable--and he does it all without a trace of vibrato (not very Italian-tenor in that respect). The finale of RV 325 features urgent downward scales from the orchestra while the violin carries on insanely above it; the Largo of RV 303 contains some wonderfully odd chromatic writing. RV 190 is a complicated work, featuring a rich first movement cadenza by Olivier Foures, a lovely song-like Largo, and a final Allegro that will make you want to dance.  In short, this is a very exciting CD. Vivaldi lovers won't have to be convinced; others will realize that not all of this composer's works sound the same.--Robert Levine