Vivaldi: Concerto in D minor for Two Oboes, RV 535

The Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin transports us to the Venice of the ‘red-haired priest’.

Vivaldi gives pride of place to virtuosity: the concerto grosso tends to be supplanted by solo instrumentalists – as is clearly demonstrated by all the works presented on this CD. A majority of ‘double concertos’ (i.e. with two soloists) alternates with solo or ripieno concertos.

A feast of sumptuous music-making!

This delightful release from Smekkleysa is centred around Vivaldi scores that were discovered in the last century. In 1926 an extensive collection of handwritten scores from a private source came to light, which is now housed in the Turin library. The violin concerto, the cello concerto and the concerto for two oboes featured on this recording are all from this treasure trove.

The women’s choir, Ensemble Caprice is renowned for its innovative interpretations of baroque music. One of Vivaldi's most well-known pieces, the Gloria (RV 589) for choir and orchestra reveals an unexpected sound concept when performed by a woman's choir.

Handel, Vivaldi, Bach and Rameau; baroque orchestral works from some of the greatest composers of the eighteenth century make a perfect background of elegant but unobtrusive music to help create the right atmosphere at any dinner party.