This new release is excellent in every respect: fine music, fine playing and a fine recording. Indeed, the integrity and musicianly character of these performances is in no small measure heightened by the presence of Christophe Coin. 'Playing of vitality and lyricism brings Vivaldi's music to life in a thrilling manner. There are plenty of movements here where her sheer digital dexterity is astonishing – I might cite the finale of No 6, with its scurrying figures, the second movement of No 7 (the only four-movement concerto), the finale of No 2 with its repetitive figures and leaping arpeggios, the witty sallies in that of No 3, and the simple rapidity in No 11 – or indeed half a dozen others.' Read the review 'The performances by Rachel Podger are crackling with vitality and executed with consistent brilliance as well as a kind of relish in virtuosity that catches the showy spirit, the self-conscious extravagance, of this particular set of works. Whether or not Vivaldi ever supplied all of the music for any such occasion is not clear – no complete integrated cycle exists – but he certainly set plenty of Vespers texts, enough at any rate for Rinaldo Alessandrini and scholar Frédéric Delaméa to put together this rich programme of delights.' Read the review 'No, not the 'Vivaldi Vespers', nor even a reconstruction of a specific event, but a kind of 'sacred concert' in Vespers form, of the sort that Venetian churches in Vivaldi’s time – ever aware of the power of music to swell a congregation – were wont to mount in the name of worship. Soloists, Concerto Italiano / Rinaldo Alessandrini Vespri Solenni per la Festa dell'Assunzione di Maria Vergine The orchestral sound, as always with La Serenissima, achieves bright attractiveness and vivacity without feeling the need to pursue the taut energy of some other groups. They are played with skill and taste, lapsing only when the bassoon overpowers the flute in the slow movement of RV438. 'Here the three solo instruments come and go in various combinations, always pleasing us and never outstaying their welcome.

Best vivaldi four seasons recordings