Jakob Lindberg, the lutenist on this recording, was appointed professor of lute at The Royal College of Music in 1979, succeeding Diana Poulton.
Interpretation
This recording uses a chamber organ as the continuo instrument, which is considered the best foil for the lute due to its contrasting sound compared to a theorbo or harpsichord.
Instruments
The instrument referred to as 'liuto soprano' in the early 18th century is now known as the Milanese mandolin, an instrument Vivaldi himself wrote for.
Composer Biography
In the early 1730s, while in Bohemia, Vivaldi dedicated three compositions to the Bohemian count Johann Joseph von Wrtby, writing them on poor quality paper different from what he used in Italy.
Historical Context
Italian lutenists retained Renaissance tuning even after the rest of Europe abandoned it in the 1630s, extending their lutes with extra bass strings to create the liuto attiorbato or arciliuto.
Compositional Technique
Vivaldi consistently used a three-movement form (quick-slow-quick) and his characteristic ritornello mould, where tutti sections frame a central solo or duo episode.
Composition History
Vivaldi's Double Concerto (RV 540) was premiered in Venice by the girls of the Pietà during an 1740 visit by the 18-year-old Electoral Prince of Saxony, Friedrich Christian.
