The Dresden Hofkapelle, which performs Vivaldi's works, was restructured in 1709 by Augustus the Strong and became a hub for top European musicians within 15 years.
Instruments
The Dresden orchestra likely included a 'large bassoon,' with Vivaldi and Hasse mentioning 'gr. bassono' and 'gran fagotto' in their scores, and two German contrabassoons from the 1710s-15s were made in the Dresden region.
Compositional Technique
Johann Georg Pisendel, a central figure in the Dresden Hofkapelle, made extensive arrangements of Vivaldi's concertos on this album, altering instrumentation, structure, harmony, and ornamentation.
Historical Context
The Dresden Hofkapelle, an orchestra that performed works by composers like Vivaldi, was considered 'the best orchestra in Europe' in the 18th century.
Composition History
Vivaldi's Concerto RV 562, 'Per la Solennità di S.Lorenzo,' was likely written for a Venetian performance, possibly for the feast day of Saint Lawrence, where a different violinist was honored each year.
Performer Biography
Zefira Valova, the principal violinist on this album, plays a violin made by Lorenzo and Tommaso Carcassi in Florence in 1760.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in July 2012 at Studio Lutoslawski of the Radio in Warsaw, Poland.
