Vivaldi: Concerto, Op. 3 No. 3 'Con Violino Solo obligato', RV 310

“This is a delightful collection. Xavier Maistre plays the harp with infinite finesse and much delicacy of colour. He offers four Vivaldi concertos and makes them sound as if they were actually written for the harp, with slow movements particularly enticing...the appeal of the performance rests as much on delicate simplicity as extrovert bravura.” Gramophone Magazine, July 2012

“This is a superb display of harp-playing at its best. At one extreme, the so-called 'Albinoni Adagio'...displays astonishingly warm harp tone, fingers barely caressing strings - indulgently sentimental and pure magic.” BBC Music Magazine, September 2012 *****

“It's a typically elegant affair: Balsom's bright tone and tight phrasing on the opening Allegro of "Vivaldi's Violin Concerto in A Minor" gives way to more subtle work on the Largo, with a series of delicate, feathery trills...her nimble fingering on the opening section of [the Albinoni] is supplanted by long, poised notes on the Adagio section. An eloquent performance.” The Independent, 15th October 2010 ***

“This cheering disc features the brilliant talent of Alison Balsom and a spruce Scottish Ensemble in six 18th-century concertos...None of the concertos...were originally written for the trumpet. But Balsom’s flawless technique and glorious tone make them sound thoroughly natural.” The Telegraph, 15th October 2010 ***

“Balsom, sweetly accompanied by the Scottish Ensemble, glides through the decorative slides with ease.” Financial Times, 23rd October 2010 ***

“Her playing is breathtaking, first in the bubbling fluency of Vivaldi violin concerto allegros...while her fluent technique elicits some exhilarating tempos. No less arresting is her creamy tone in slow movements...Listening to it is nothing short of a life-enhancing experience.” BBC Music Magazine, December 2010 *****

“Balsom takes the first movement [of the Vivaldi] at such a lick that it's over before you know it; but the clarity and precision of her articulation make it an exhilarating experience...Her orchestrated version of an Albinoni violin sonata is notable for some nimble playing in the first Allegro.” Classic FM Magazine, December 2010 ****

“suave, characterful performances...Wistfulness and exuberance combined come to the fore in the Cimarosa, while Balsom's clear, focused tone irradiates Albinoni's less exciting Oboe Concerto in B flat with a warmth and intensity that is carried over into the penultimate work on the disc, Tartini's D major Trumpet Concerto” Gramophone Magazine, December 2010

“This is above all a disc of virtuoso brilliance, with the soloist performing her pyrotechnics with consummate ease; her tone is bright and open yet possessing a creamy timbre throughout the range...Each of the concertos here presents something to delight the ear.” International Record Review, May 2011

“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

“Tafelmusik Baroque and guest artist Elizabeth Wallfisch have all the energy one has come to expect in top-notch Vivaldi, but also real warmth to their playing. Also a delightful relaxed quality. The music is never rushed, though there’s no lack of propulsion. They all just seem to be taking the time to relish the experience.” James Inverne, Gramophone Magazine

“…Lamon drives her polished players faster than most. But there's also great energy derived from crisp articulation, matched only by Hogwood's exciting set with L'Arte dell' Arco (Chandos), one-to-a-part and at higher pitch, Tafelmusik's 13 strings, impeccably in tune, create a taut ensemble, while slow movements are treated to beautifully expressive playing...” BBC Music Magazine, January 2008 *****