Vivaldi's mandolin concertos are less musically complex than his violin concertos, but mandolinist Jacob Reuven uses a modern instrument and violin-based technique to offer a fresh perspective.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Astor Piazzolla's 'Las cuatro estaciones porteñas' (The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires) were inspired by Vivaldi's concept, but reflect the inverse seasons of the Southern Hemisphere.
Performer Biography
Jacob Reuven, the mandolinist, and Omer Meir Wellber, the accordionist, harpsichordist, and conductor, grew up together in the Israeli desert city of Be'er Sheva.
Interpretation
This album features a unique setup with mandolin, accordion, harpsichord, and eighteen string players from the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, exploring Vivaldi's and Piazzolla's 'Seasons'.
Interpretation
Omer Meir Wellber's role as continuo player, improvising on both harpsichord and accordion, grants each piece a sense of uniqueness and vivacity, challenging musicians to embrace impromptu musical communication.
Composer Biography
Antonio Vivaldi, known as 'The Red Priest', was ordained a priest in 1703 but ceased saying Mass around 1706, claiming chronic asthma, though he undertook many rigorous journeys for opera commissions.
Composition History
Vivaldi's 'The Four Seasons' (Le quattro stagioni) were the first four concertos in his collection 'Il cimento dell'armonia e dell'inventione' (Op. 8, 1725), dedicated to Count Wenzel von Morzin.
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Vivaldi: Famous Concertos
Vivaldi: Mandolin Concerto in C Major RV 425
Vivaldi: Concertos for 2 Violins
Vivaldi: 7 Bassoon Concertos
Vivaldi: Concertos for Viola d'amore
Vivaldi: Viola d'amore Concertos
Bonporti Edition, Vol. 3 - Concertos A 4, Nos. 1-10
