Vivaldi: Concerto for strings RV 167

“…without a soloist, the spotlight is completely on the orchestra, which is lithe, colourful, virtuosic… the enjoyment emanating from the players is palpable, and why this brightly-recorded disc has waited three years to be issued is a complete mystery.” BBC Music Magazine, September 2006 *****

“This collection draws from Vivaldi's 'Concerti per archi', concertos for strings and continuo without the flamboyant writing for solo instruments found in the majority of the Red Priest's orchestral works. Across 68 minutes Vivaldi seems to have a seemingly inexhaustible arsenal of tricks, but it's never merely superficial. All the music on offer here is unmistakably Vivaldian: although there is common ground in many of these 'concerti per archi', they contain a dazzling kaleidoscope of moods and textures.
Andrea Marcon directs vivid, strongly etched performances that often reach fiery intensity.
Things get off to a sizzling start with the precocious beginning of RV111a, and the opening Allegro of RV157 is a perfect illustration of Marcon's fondness for wonderfully incisive yet flowing continuo. But there are also notable moments of exquisite beauty, such as a gorgeously played Largo from RV127. The Adagio in RV121 is an evocative hushed moment graced with lovely theorbo playing. It is easy to notice the athleticism of the Venice Baroque Orchestra's vigorous playing of fast movements, yet it is equally significant that the group perform Vivaldi's slower music with tenderness.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010

“This third volume of Collegium Musicum 90's survey of Vivaldi's string concertos offers a varied selection of works which bears testament to their composer's untiring imagination. Vivaldi composed more than 40 of these sparky little miniatures, united by an (almost) uniform adoption of a three-movement format and by the lack anywhere of any kind of soloist; for this reason they're also sometimes known either as 'concertos for orchestra' or 'ripieno concertos'. None lasts longer than eight minutes, and most come in under five.
CM90 perform with accomplished ease, attempting nothing outrageous but maintaining a relaxed bonhomie and clear-cut eloquence entirely suited to the music's modest aspirations. Theirs isn't the taut Vivaldi sound we have become used to hearing from other ensembles, but they have no difficulty serving up lyrical sweetness or joyous energy as required. Realistically and lucidly recorded, the disc leaves little to be desired.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010

“These are not period-instrument performances, incidentally, but are nevertheless so vital, musicianly and affectionate” Gramophone Magazine