Rare Baroque Gems: Vivaldi's Viola d'Amore Concertos - London Chamber Orchestra (Audio CD)

Product Details

• UPC: 5033107802524
• Product Type: Audio CD
• Brand/Label: Audio Archive Classics – CLA025
• Composer: Antonio Vivaldi
• Genre: Classical
• Style: Baroque
• Setting: The London Chamber Orchestra, Anthony Bernard (Conductor)
• Soloist: Renzo Sabatini (Viola d'Amore)
• Year Released: Undated (Reissue, UK)

Overview

This CD presents a fascinating glimpse into the less-known repertoire of Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741), featuring two of his expressive Concertos for Viola d'Amore, Strings, and Cembalo. The Viola d'Amore is a unique Baroque instrument, recognized for its mellow tone and distinctive sympathetic strings that resonate to create a luminous, ethereal sound.

The album features the renowned Viola d'Amore soloist Renzo Sabatini, accompanied by The London Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Anthony Bernard. The two concertos, A Minor (Op. 25, No. 2) and D Minor (Op. 25, No. 4), are characteristic of Vivaldi's high Baroque style, utilizing the traditional three-movement fast-slow-fast structure. This recording is essential for enthusiasts of Baroque music and those interested in the distinctive timbre and repertoire of rare historical instruments.

Product Features

• Format: Audio CD
• Conductor: Anthony Bernard
• Orchestra: The London Chamber Orchestra
• Solo Instrument: Viola d'Amore, performed by Renzo Sabatini
• Key Works: Concerto in A Minor, Op. 25, No. 2 and Concerto in D Minor, Op. 25, No. 4.
• Period: High Baroque (Early 18th Century Italian)

Interesting Facts

• The Viola d'Amore: Vivaldi wrote several concertos specifically for the Viola d'Amore, an instrument known for its 'sympathetic strings' (extra, un-bowed strings under the fingerboard) that vibrate in sympathy with the bowed strings, giving the instrument its characteristic halo-like resonance.
• Vivaldi's Output: The composer, an Italian Baroque priest and violinist, was highly prolific, composing nearly 500 concertos. His works for less common instruments like the Viola d'Amore highlight his dedication to exploring every facet of the Baroque orchestra.
• Historical Recordings: This recording by the London Chamber Orchestra and Anthony Bernard likely dates from the mid-20th century or earlier, making it a valuable historical recording and an essential document of early 20th-century Vivaldi performance practice.
• Musical Contrast: The D Minor concerto often features a more somber, dramatic quality characteristic of the minor key, contrasted with the brighter, elegant lines of the A Minor work.

Track Listing / Movements

Concerto In A Minor For Viola D'Amore, Strings, And Cembalo Op. 25, No. 2

1. First Movement: Allegro (4:01)
2. Second Movement: Largo (3:41)
3. Third Movement: Allegro (3:17)

Concerto In D Minor For Viola D'Amore, Strings, And Cembalo Op. 25, No. 4

1. First Movement: Allegro (4:28)
2. Second Movement: Largo (3:58)
3. Third Movement: Allegro Vivo (3:36)

Publishers

Audio Archive Classics This label specializes in reissuing historically significant classical recordings, ensuring the preservation and accessibility of performances that define the early interpretation of the Baroque and other classical repertoires.

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