Search - Antonio Vivaldi, I Musici, Maria Teresa Garatti :: Vivaldi: L'Estro Armonico, Op.3 (complete)

Great Vivaldi, But...

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 08/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Philips Duo title featuring I Musici's gorgeous 1962 stereo performances of Vivaldi's complete L'Estro Armonico (Op. 3) is delightful. In the days before the original-instruments craze and baroque's mainstream resurgence, I Musici's recordings of Vivaldi, Albinoni, Corelli and others were the benchmark. With that being said, the best CD in its two-discs-for-the-price-of-one category is not this title, but the Neville Marriner/ASMF on London Double Decker. The reason being that the Marriner offers all 12 Concertos from Op.3, and four other Concertos for a total of 45 minutes more music than this title. If you decide on I Musici, you will not be let down by the quality of the music, just how much of it you get."

A joy to listen to

jsa | San Diego, CA United States | 06/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's a shame that many listeners limit their Vivaldi collections to "The Four Seasons," as they don't know what they're missing. Vivaldi was a prolific composer: several hundred concertos were written for various instruments, more than 200 of which were for violin, strings & continuo. Among the better known of these are the so-called "L'Estro Armonico" concertos, written ca. 1712-1713 -- a diverse, inventive group of compositions that were so admired by Bach that he arranged four of them for organ or harpsichord, and another ended up as the basis for his A minor concerto for four harpsichords & strings.



The "L'Estro Armonico" concertos are well represented in the catalogue, however, when I added this music to my collection I went straight to the I Musici set. Why? Because I Musici was the premier ensemble of its time specializing in the music of the early classical era, including Albinoni, Corelli, Handel & especially Vivaldi. I knew I was going to get authoritative readings by musicians playing modern instruments. I was not disappointed - this is a fantastic recording, full of life & a joy to listen to.



If you are considering purchasing, do not hesitate on the basis of the 1962 recording date, as the stereo sound is absolutely outstanding - full, warm & rich.



Very highly recommended!"