This delicious collection contains two of Vivaldi’s most remarkable creations, the Concertos RV 555 and RV 558, scored for a vast ensemble including solo mandolins, recorders, oboes, chalumeaux, cellos, harpsichords, theorbos, viole all’inglese, and something called “violini in tromba marina”, which no one to this day is entirely sure about. And my, how Fabio Biondi and Europa Galante do play! At first the tempos sound excessively fleet, but when you hear how well these players handle their solo episodes, and sense their joy in the excesses of Baroque instrumental writing and the opportunities for virtuosity that it offers, then it’s practically impossible not to be swept away in the sheer excitement of it all. That said, if you love this music you also should hear Leonard Bernstein’s wonderful performance (on Sony) of Alfredo Casella’s edition of RV 558, rescored for an equally extravagant ensemble of modern instruments.
The heart of this collection lies in the three concertos featuring solo mandolin (RV 532 actually requires two), which number among Vivaldi’s most piquantly appealing inspirations. RV 576, scored for solo violin, two recorders, three oboes, and solo bassoon, also represents the composer at his most inventive and expansive, and the quality of the wind playing here is second to none in the period instrument world. In short, you will find in these performances more than sufficient evidence to refute the notion that Vivaldi wrote the same concerto 600 times. Or at all events, he only did it 593 times: these seven works remain outstanding for their character and individuality, and you won’t find them better played or more immaculately recorded anywhere.
