Vivaldi: Concerto for Strings and Continuo in D minor, RV128

The acclaimed Polish period band Arte dei Suonatori perform eight of Vivaldi’s concertos a Quattro. Their version of Handel’s 12 Concerto grossi Op. 6 was awarded ‘Orchestral Choice of the Month’ in BBC Music Magazine, alongside further critical acclaim from the international music press.

As well as being a major composer in the formation of the solo concerto, he also was the leading exponent of the older concerto a quattro – music in four parts, with several players to a part. His works in this genre are notable not only for their beauty, but also for their experimental character and for providing the most important examples of fugal writing in Vivaldi’s instrumental music.

This recording includes eight of the concertos, as well as the Sinfonia from the serenata La Senna festeggiante (The Rejoicing Seine) composed in honour of the young French king Louis XV, and the Sonata a 4 in E flat major ‘Al Santo Sepolcro’.

This release includes concertos for one violin (RV 246 and RV 330), two violins (RV 510 and 508) plus concertos and sinfonias for strings (RV 125, 128, 138 and 157). With the exception of RV 510, the works are performed in their unedited original versions which have been specially prepared for this recording.

Some are world premiere recordings. The recording is distinguished by its vivacity and rich instrumental timbres.

Baroque works that are indispensable. The listener is swept away on an almost theatrical tide of joy that is sustained throughout this recording, exemplary in every way.