Rachel Podger & Brecon Baroque: Antoni Vivaldi L'Estro Armonico 12 Violin Concertos (2015) [24bit/192kHz Studio Master]

L'estro armonico, the title of Vivaldi's first published collection of concertos, is commonly translated into English as "harmonic fancy." However, the word oestrus actually means "heat, stimulus, vehement impulse or frenzy" - a better allusion to the startling passion and energy of these twelve concertos, which are widely considered to be among the most influential Baroque orchestral music ever written. Following on their successful and widely acclaimed releases of Vivaldi's La Cetra and La Stravaganza, this release by Rachel Podger and her ensemble Brecon Baroque captures all of the vitality and freshness of Vivaldi's invention: its rhythmic energy, melodic and harmonic intensity, textural sensuousness, technical brilliance and dramatic flair.

"Especially for those who already have the previous "La Cetra" and "Stravaganza" sets, this is a no-brainer. I found this set especially interesting because these concertos were composed earlier. The enthusiasm, the sparkle, the commitment of these performances are amazing. And this sparkle is evident not just in the faster movements, but it also shines through in the slower movements. The commitment shown by Rachel Podger and her Brecon Baroque is equally evident in the care taken by the recording engineers who once again transport listeners to the Church of St. John the Evangelist in London. The Hi-Resolution sound is amazing and unsurpassed. Don't hesitate if you love Vivaldi!"

"Rachel Podger and her group Brecon Baroque are on virtuosic and lively form for an impeccable and uplifting performance of Vivaldi’s L’estro amonico violin concertos. (…) Inspirational originality elicts inspirational playing (…) Every phrase has direction and purpose (…) the recording is excellent, the church acoustic wrapping even the most biting figurations in a warm velvety glow." Recording of the Month BBC Music 5/5 stars

Personnel:
Brecon Baroque:
Rachel Podger, violin/director
Bojan Čičić, violin (solo nos. 2 & 11)
Johannes Pramsohler, violin (solo nos. 5 & 8)
Sabine Stoffer, violin
Janes Rogers, viola
Ricardo Cuende Isuskiza, viola
Alison McGillivray, violoncello
Jan Spencer, violone
Daniele Caminiti, theorbo
David Miller, theorbo/guitar
Marcin Świątkiewicz, harpsichord/organ
Recorded: St John the Evangelist Church, Upper Norwood, London, February and September 2014