Vivaldi: Concerto, Op. 3 No. 4 'Con quattro Violini obligati', RV 550 - CD

“No other set of Vivaldi's concertos contains the sheer variety on display in L'estro armonico. The catalogue has seldom been without a decent recording of these ceaselessly fascinating works, though none begins to approach this version in respect of fantasy and exuberance. Fabio Biondi and his Italian ensemble, Europa Galante, bring something entirely fresh and vital to oft-performed repertoire, illuminating well-trodden paths with affective articulation and eloquently voiced inflexions. Not all of their extravagant, Mediterranean gestures, perhaps, will find favour with listeners; indeed, some of Biondi's own embellishments can be a little inapposite. Tempos are well chosen, by and large, and ensemble is clear-textured and evenly balanced. The continuo group, which includes harpsichord, organ, archlute and Baroque guitar, makes an important contribution to the overall success.
This music is wonderful stuff, rejuvenating and immensely satisfying.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010

“performances, yet again, of distinction originality and real vision” Gramophone Magazine

“…Banchini achieves performances which are polished, clearly argued and meticulously prepared. A rewarding disc…” BBC Music Magazine, December 2007 ****

“These nicely Italianate performance prevent these concertos from sounding heavily 'Bach-like' (he purloined several of them for his own arrangements). But they lack the drama of Biondi's version on Virgin Classics, and the spacious Super Audio sound only emphasises the tendency towards muddiness in the lower parts.” BBC Music Magazine, Proms 2007 ***