Vivaldi Complete Concertos & Sonatas Op.1-12

Federico Guglielmo and his ensemble L’Arte dell’Arco have already made a number of acclaimed recordings of Vivaldi’s music for Brilliant Classics. This boxset brings together CDs previously published along with never-before-heard recordings, spanning Vivaldi’s Concertos and Sonatas Opp. 1–12 plus a bonus CD of Cello Sonatas. The comprehensive collection showcases the perennial music of ‘Il prete rosso’, with Italian musicians playing on authentic instruments, giving the closest version possible to the sounds that would have resonated in Venice 300 years ago. Guglielmo shines at the helm of his closely- knit ensemble; from the Trio Sonatas Op.1, which showed Vivaldi’s prowess at writing within an already well-established genre, through to his Violin Sonatas Op.2, with their elaborate asides for the ensemble as well as the solo instrument. ‘L’estro armonico’ (‘Harmonic inspiration’), a collection of 12 concertos, brought VivaldiEuropean-wide fame for the first time, which he soon built on through his next publication ‘Il cimento dell’armonia e dell’inventione’ (‘The contest between harmony and invention’). Arguably the composer’s most famous collection, ‘Il cimento’ includes the delightful Four Seasons, as well as more concertos with evocative titles, such as ‘La caccia’ (‘The hunt’) and ‘La tempesta di mare’ (‘The sea storm’). The ensemble varies depending on the piece, with some concertos styled with a small group of soloists accompanied by a ripieno, and others allowing one soloist to take a prominent role. This release is proud to feature some of Guglielmo’s long-time collaborators, including Mario Folena on the flute, Pier Luigi Fabretti on the oboe and Francesco Galligioni on the cello, all experienced performers with a sound that blends perfectly with L’Arte dell’Arco. The ensemble itself also differs from piece to piece, with Guglielmo carefully selecting the number of performers and instrumentation for each individual work, thereby creating the most authentic performance possible. Guglielmo and his players bring a fresh interpretation to these beloved concertos as well as providing the listener with an opportunity to delve into Vivaldi’s lesser-known earlier works. With just one player per part, L’Arte dell’Arco strip back the layers, bringing a revitalising transparency to Vivaldi’s complex writing. The release includes world premieres of performances based on new critical editions of Vivaldi’s music authorised by the Istituto Italiano Antonio Vivaldi, based at the Fondazione Giorgio Cini in Venice. For the first time Vivaldi’s complete Op. 1-12 in one set! Already during his lifetime Vivaldi was a popular and successful composer, and, possessing a keen commercial talent, he published his own works. The works published during his lifetime are contained in his Opus 1-12, featuring such popular cycles as the Four Seasons, L’Estro Armonico, La Stravaganza, the flute concertos, and several sets of trio sonatas. These are by far to most popular works by the Venetian priest, and today they sound as fresh and sensational as when they were composed. Newly recorded and based on the new Critical Edition by Alessandro Borin, Istituto Italiano Antonio Vivaldi, Fondazione Giorgio Cini, Venice. Performed by the Italian Early Music group L’Arte dell’Arco, led by violinist (and soloist) Federico Guglielmo. French magazine Diapason wrote about them: ”they understand the secret language of Vivaldi…rich and generous instrumental textures envelop the expressive lines of the solo violin…”. All the previous separate issues have met with great critical acclaim, resulting in many 5 star reviews in the international press. Included as a bonus CD, the new recording of the Cello Sonatas. Although without opus number they were certainly published during Vivaldi’s lifetime. Contains a biography of the performers. Recorded in Italy in 2010 - 2014. Contains excellent liner notes by Vivaldi specialists.