VIVALDI

Concerti Opus 8, Including ‘The Four Seasons’

DISC ONE

1-3: Violin Concerto in E Major, Op.8, No.1, RV.269, ‘La primavera’ (Spring)

4-6: Violin Concerto in G minor, Op.8, No.2, RV.315, ‘L’estate’ (Summer)

7-9: Violin Concerto in F Major, Op.8, No.3, RV.293, ‘L’autunno’ (Autumn)

10-12: Violin Concerto in F minor, Op.8, No.4, RV.297, ‘L’inverno’ (Winter)

13-15: Violin Concerto in E flat Major, Op.8, No.5, RV.253, ‘La tempesta di mare’

16-18: Violin Concerto in C Major, Op.8, No.6, RV.180, ‘Il piacere’

DISC TWO

1-3: Violin Concerto in D minor, Op.8, No.7, RV.242

4-6: Violin Concerto in G minor, Op.8, No.8, RV.332

7-9: Violin Concerto in D minor, Op.8, No.9, RV.236

10-12: Violin Concerto in B flat Major, Op.8, No.10, RV.362, ‘La caccia’

13-15: Violin Concerto in D Major, Op.8, No.11, RV.210; 16-18: Violin Concerto in C Major, Op.8, No.12, RV.178

Avison Ensemble

This is the highly-anticipated second recording in the Avison Ensemble’s Baroque series, which includes the complete recording of Antonio Vivaldi’s virtuosic violin concertos by the outstanding period instrument

orchestra.

Directed by Pavlo Beznosiuk, Britain’s foremost Baroque violin virtuosi, the ensemble presents an insightful performance of the masterpiece that is brimming with energy.

Vivaldi’s Concerti Opus 8 includes The Four Seasons which is, without a doubt, Vivaldi’s best-known work.

Each of the twelve concertos is extremely demanding and Beznosiuk’s virtuosity permeates throughout each performance.

The thematic elements within each innovative work results in a collection that is colourful, fresh and emotionally charged. Opus 8 is a true testament of Vivaldi’s ability for invention and variation.

Formed in 1985, the Ensemble has attracted great critical acclaim. The Guardian commented: “I’d take the Avison Ensemble over Karajan…any day”.

The Avison Ensemble comprises some of Europe's leading Baroque musicians, including artists from The Hague, Germany, France, Austria and London, with international soloists from all over the globe.

Pavlo Beznosiuk, the UK's foremost baroque violin virtuoso, is in demand as a soloist and orchestral leader performing regularly with the Academy of Ancient Music and Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

Linn Records 2SACDs CKD365