Vivaldi: The Four Seasons

An honest rendition of the most-recorded violin Concertos worldwide. The composer can finally rest in peace as one of his most theatrical compositions has been preserved in the manner in which it was written. A Baroque piece, played with Baroque instruments and conducted in the Baroque fashion. Simply stunning! Veritable newcomers (formed in 1997), the Venice Baroque Orchestra hits the right notes and more importantly allows the moments of silence to stand on their own. Giuliano Carmignola, a virtuoso's virtuoso, performs every passage as though he were speaking with Vivaldi as he plays. The result is a sublime example of what recorded music is all about. There are several great recordings of The Four Seasons on the market (Gil Shaham's performance is truly remakable), but they pale in comparison.