Thread: The richest SACD recording of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons ?

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Post by arnaoutchot October 14, 2012 (11 of 34)
Frpm a pure sound perspective I would recommend that one ...

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons - Polish Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra

Post by chenzl October 15, 2012 (12 of 34)
arnaoutchot said:

Frpm a pure sound perspective I would recommend that one ...

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons - Polish Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra

I've lost count of how many versions of Four Seasons I did own :)

But I somehow like big-band orchestra sound, so the Karajan/BPO/DGG 70s recording suits my ears well.

Post by Polarius T October 15, 2012 (13 of 34)
chenzl said:

the Karajan/BPO/DGG 70s recording suits my ears well.

You need to try Mullova with COE under Abbado, on Philips (RBCD). Like a fresh wind in this totally overused and abused set of works!

Post by Windsurfer October 15, 2012 (14 of 34)
Polarius T said:

You need to try Mullova with COE under Abbado, on Philips (RBCD). Like a fresh wind in this totally overused and abused set of works!

I have that, the Mullova. Sure she is excellent, but I think St. John is more creatively interesting by far, and the sound way WAY out classes the old Philips recording.

Plus there is the bonus of the Piazolla. It is worth exploring all on its own. It is one of those things most people probably need to listen to a couple times to appreciate, but once the acquaintance is made, the music becomes your friend for life!

Post by Windsurfer October 15, 2012 (15 of 34)
chenzl said:

I've lost count of how many versions of Four Seasons I did own :)

But I somehow like big-band orchestra sound, so the Karajan/BPO/DGG 70s recording suits my ears well.

Do you like the HvK with Anne-Sophie Mutter? I think that is EMI and with the Vienna Philharmonic.

But I still recommend Vivaldi: The Four Seasons, Piazzolla - Lara St. John

I doubt the orchestra will disappoint. I was quite surprised by their sound!

Post by steveo October 15, 2012 (16 of 34)
Anybody heard this?

Vivaldi: Le Quattro Stagioni - Accardo

If so, what do you think?

Post by The Seventh Taylor October 15, 2012 (17 of 34)
And for everyone's convenience: here are all the SACDs.

Antonio Vivaldi - Le quattro stagioni (The Four Seasons), Op. 8 No. 1-4

I count 23 so far.

Post by Polarius T October 16, 2012 (18 of 34)
steveo said:

Anybody heard this?

Vivaldi: Le Quattro Stagioni - Accardo

If so, what do you think?

I haven't heard this particular one, but his earlier recording of it, for Philips, is excellent, one of the very finest Seasons around. In general, I'd steer away from his more recent recordings; in the '70s through mid-'80s he was at his peak, producing extremely fine work shining with great classical poise, striking nobility, and superior musicianship, but today I think his age shows and what one finds enjoyable in his current work is mostly his thorough and deep understanding of the music that is of course still there, while technically he is unfortunately not at all on the same level any more as he was back then.

He is one of the few violinist whom I have wanted to remain in close contact with through all these years.

Post by Hitters October 16, 2012 (19 of 34)
If you are looking for extra-fine sound the mentioned recording on TACET is the one to have.

But if I had to choose one, it would be an old RBCD on BIS: the Drottningholm Ensemble.
The sound is very good, possibly not as sophisticated as TACET's, but the sheer musicality of this group is irresistible.

There must be other excellent versions available, but I have never had the urge to get them being so satisfied with the ones I already have.

Post by Polly Nomial October 16, 2012 (20 of 34)
The Seventh Taylor said:

And for everyone's convenience: here are all the SACDs.

Antonio Vivaldi - Le quattro stagioni (The Four Seasons), Op. 8 No. 1-4

I count 23 so far.

Thanks - I spotted one I'd not catalogued properly; now 24!

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