Antonio Vivaldi - Koncerty pro zobcovou flétnu / Recorder Concertos - CD

Antonio Vivaldi is one of the most prolific Baroque composers, and his recorder concertos represent the pinnacle of this instrument’s repertoire. This album presents the complete set of six concertos (R. 440–445), recorded between 1987 and 1989 in performances that combine technical brilliance with a profound feeling for style. Jiří Stivín, the legendary Czech multi-instrumentalist known primarily from the world of jazz, reveals here another side of his artistry. His masterful playing on sopranino and alto recorders, together with his ability to move with the highest professionalism between entirely different musical worlds, makes this recording an exceptional document of his versatility. Stivín is accompanied by the renowned Virtuosi di Praga orchestra conducted by Oldřich Vlček, with sensitive basso continuo provided by Jaroslav Tůma on harpsichord and Jindřich Ptáček on cello. The recording demonstrates that an authentic performance of Baroque music requires not only historical awareness, but also musicianship, technical perfection and a deep understanding of style. The album contains six concertos: C major for sopranino recorder, strings and basso continuo, R. 443; A minor for alto recorder, strings and basso continuo, R. 440; C major for sopranino recorder, strings and basso continuo, R. 444; F major for alto recorder, strings and basso continuo, R. 442; A minor for sopranino recorder, strings and basso continuo, R. 445; and C minor for alto recorder, strings and basso continuo.