Anne-Sophie Mutter, one of the most celebrated violinists of our time, delivers a captivating performance in this 1999 release on Deutsche Grammophon. The album presents a stunning interpretation of Vivaldi's iconic "Le quattro stagioni" (The Four Seasons), a set of four violin concertos that vividly depict the changing seasons. Each concerto is a masterclass in musical storytelling, with Mutter's virtuosic playing bringing out the nuanced emotions and vivid imagery that Vivaldi intended.
The album opens with "La Primavera" (Spring), a lively and joyous concerto that sets the tone for the rest of the performance. Mutter's precise and expressive playing is particularly evident in the second movement, "Largo," where she conveys a sense of tranquility and serenity. The summer concerto, "L'estate," is marked by its dramatic and intense passages, with Mutter's playing capturing the stormy and restless mood of the season. The autumn concerto, "L'autunno," is characterized by its pastoral and folk-like melodies, while the winter concerto, "L'inverno," is a tour de force of technical skill and musical depth.
In addition to the Vivaldi concertos, the album also features Mutter's rendition of Tartini's "Sonata in G minor, B. g5 - 'Il trillo del diavolo'." This sonata, known for its devilishly difficult trill passage, is a showcase of Mutter's exceptional technique and musicality. Her playing is both precise and expressive, bringing out the sonata's dramatic and virtuosic qualities.
The album's duration is just over an hour, making it a compact yet comprehensive exploration of these timeless works. Mutter's performance is supported by the acclaimed chamber orchestra, the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, conducted by Sir Neville Marriner. The combination of Mutter's artistry, the orchestra's excellence, and the conductor's insightful direction makes this album a standout in the classical music repertoire. Whether you're a longtime fan of Anne-Sophie Mutter or a newcomer to her work, this album is sure to impress and inspire.
Concerto for Violin and Strings in E Major, Op. 8, No. 1, RV 269 "La Primavera": I. Allegro - LiveAntonio Vivaldi, Anne-Sophie Mutter, TrondheimSolistene
Concerto for Violin and Strings in E Major, Op. 8, No. 1, RV 269 "La Primavera": II. Largo - LiveAntonio Vivaldi, Anne-Sophie Mutter, TrondheimSolistene
Concerto for Violin and Strings in E Major, Op. 8, No. 1, RV 269 "La Primavera": III. Allegro (Danza pastorale) - LiveAntonio Vivaldi, Anne-Sophie Mutter, TrondheimSolistene
Concerto for Violin and Strings in G Minor, Op. 8, No. 2, RV 315 "L'estate": I. Allegro non molto - Allegro - LiveAntonio Vivaldi, Anne-Sophie Mutter, TrondheimSolistene
Concerto for Violin and Strings in G Minor, Op. 8, No. 2, RV 315 "L'estate": II. Adagio - Presto - Adagio - LiveAntonio Vivaldi, Anne-Sophie Mutter, TrondheimSolistene
Concerto for Violin and Strings in G Minor, Op. 8, No. 2, RV 315 "L'estate": III. Presto (Tempo impetuoso d'estate) - LiveAntonio Vivaldi, Anne-Sophie Mutter, TrondheimSolistene
Concerto for Violin and Strings in F Major, Op. 8, No. 3, RV 293 "L'autunno": I. Allegro (Ballo, e canto de' villanelli) - LiveAntonio Vivaldi, Anne-Sophie Mutter, TrondheimSolistene
Concerto for Violin and Strings in F Major, Op. 8, No. 3, RV 293 "L'autunno": II. Adagio molto (Ubriachi dormienti) - LiveAntonio Vivaldi, Anne-Sophie Mutter, TrondheimSolistene
Concerto for Violin and Strings in F Major, Op. 8, No. 3, RV 293 "L'autunno": III. Allegro (La caccia) - LiveAntonio Vivaldi, Anne-Sophie Mutter, TrondheimSolistene
Concerto for Violin and Strings in F Minor, Op. 8, No. 4, RV 297 "L'inverno": I. Allegro non molto - LiveAntonio Vivaldi, Anne-Sophie Mutter, TrondheimSolistene
Concerto for Violin and Strings in F Minor, Op. 8, No. 4, RV 297 "L'inverno": II. Largo - LiveAntonio Vivaldi, Anne-Sophie Mutter, TrondheimSolistene
Concerto for Violin and Strings in F Minor, Op. 8, No. 4, RV 297 "L'inverno": III. Allegro - LiveAntonio Vivaldi, Anne-Sophie Mutter, TrondheimSolistene
Sonata for Violin and Continuo in G Minor, B. g5 - "Il trillo del diavolo": I. Larghetto affettuoso - LiveGiuseppe Tartini, Anne-Sophie Mutter, TrondheimSolistene
Sonata for Violin and Continuo in G Minor, B. g5 - "Il trillo del diavolo": II. Allegro - LiveGiuseppe Tartini, Anne-Sophie Mutter, TrondheimSolistene
Sonata for Violin and Continuo in G Minor, B. g5 - "Il trillo del diavolo": III. Andante - Allegro - LiveGiuseppe Tartini, Anne-Sophie Mutter, TrondheimSolistene
Sonata for Violin and Continuo in G Minor, B. g5 - "Il trillo del diavolo": IV. Allegro assai - LiveGiuseppe Tartini, Anne-Sophie Mutter, TrondheimSolistene
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