Vivaldi: The Four Seasons by La Serenissima (2015-05-04)

I thought it didn’t work at first, then it worked! Beautiful music! Do not need the extra pieces.

This particular version of Vivaldi's Four Seasons was touted as one of the best recordings of that fabulous work. I have to say that it's not my favorite. Perhaps that's because I'm used to "more traditional" interpretations of the work. I find it slow at times and the lead violin too dominant. It's certainly well recorded. Just not my favorite version.

The best performance of the Four Seasons you’ll ever hear, and some wonderful additional pieces that were new to me.

The main difference I found between this rendition and most of the others I am familiar with, is that the emphasis is definitely on the ensemble, La Serenissima, rather than the soloist. Chandler's violin is not completely subservient, but when appropriate, he does step to the side and allows the group to shine. The period instruments blend beautifully. I heard parts and elements that I have never heard before; sometimes almost shocking to the ear. I recommend this to anyone looking for a different take on this music.

This is my favorite of all the Four Seasons renditions I've heard- so vigorous and dynamic!

Have been wanting a recording of this for a while. With so many options, I didn’t know what to select. Thrilled with this recording.

great thanks

If you think you couldn't bear to hear another Four Seasons I do understand, but give yourself a treat and listen to this. It is very H.I.P., which includes playing it fresh, as though for the first time, without the status of a classic (or the influence of Nigel Kennedy's robotic wasps). Dances rolic and frolic, sometimes bucolically. When the score says "chug," they chug like a steam train. But the slow movements can be very expressive. This is not a parody, but a serious re-creation of a moment when "classical" music was also popular music.As a bonus, you get to hear not one but two concertos for violin in tromba marina. I didn't know what that is, and it seems that Chandler didn't, either, until he reconstructed it. Not, perhaps, the most rewarding pieces, but not just a historical curiosity.The recording is wonderful, full of detail of the different voices. You even get to hear the theorbo. My only problem is that played through headphones, you get to hear the mechanical sound of the keys on the bassoon: the clicking is a little startling, until you work out what it is.A very serious piece of historical recovery, and a ton of fun with it.

Strange how this has crept up on me and seduced me. At first hearing I wasn't conviced that the rendition of the 4 Seasons was anything exceptional, but after several listens the interpretation of Winter is one of my favourites. Add to that the bonus of the additional pieces on the album, particularly the bassoon works, and generally I'm very pleased and I am listening to this a lot.

Having seen this group live at the Wigmore Hall, in a sensational performance of this material, this CD captures the excitement, virtuosity and inventiveness of these talented musicians. A stunning interpretation of the Vivaldi classic - making this by-now-ubiquitous piece sound fresh and original is no mean feat! - wonderful bassoon playing from Peter Whelan too. Bravo.

A first rate CD providing new and interesting insights into an "old favourite" coupled with some worthwhile and enjoyable less common items - two claimed as 'World Premiere recordings'. This CD is in my opinion a high quality product and a worthwhile addition to any collection of classical music. For once the enclosed booklet is of more than a passing interest and the overall CD length of 73.43 in my view makes it exceptionally good value.

Good, but not as good as Nigel Kennedy. This won equal place on Radio 3 Building a Library so I wanted to hear it, but I much prefer Kennedy's virtuoso playing.

Ihave finaly found the ultimate Four Seasons