Il Progetto Vivaldi 2
Sol Gabetta; Cappella Gabetta; Andres Gabetta
Sony Classical 88697932302
Vivaldi - Cello Concertos
Jean-Guihen Queyras; Akademie fur Alte Musik, Berlin
Harmonia Mundi HMC 902095
These are two lively and exuberant recordings of the music of Vivaldi and his contemporaries, focussing on the Venetian composer’s rich and somewhat varied cello concertos. There are 27 cello concertos by Vivaldi that have come down to us and a strong cross-section is represented here. Gabetta and Queyras are two of the world’s leading cellists and belong to a generation of modern European musicians who have fully integrated baroque style into their musical philosophies.
The “Argentine French Russian-born” Sol Gabetta has been garnering rave reviews for her playing since finishing her studies in 2006. She maintains a busy performing and recording schedule and a wide repertoire, from Bach and Vivaldi to Shostakovich, Elgar and Ginastera. Her playing on this recording – her second CD of Vivaldi concertos - is exquisite and the orchestral playing (directed by her brother, violinist Andrew Gabetta) is exciting and elegant. Of special interest is the Concerto in D Major by Leonardo Leo, which looks forward stylistically to the galant music of the later 18th century, and the world premiere recording of the Concerto in D Minor by Giovanni Benedetto Platti, an interesting and dramatic work that we should hear more often.
Jean-Guihen Queyras was born in Canada, but brought up in France. He was the winner of the 2002 City of Toronto Protégé Prize as chosen by Glenn Gould Prize laureate Pierre Boulez and his playing is possessed of a remarkably burnished and gorgeous tone. His interest in chamber music is apparent in the program of this CD, which features sinfonias and orchestral concertos by Vivaldi in addition to the concertos for solo cello. The Berlin Akademie provides tasteful and profound support, exploiting a wide range of string colours. Of special note is the playing of lutenist Simon Martyn-Ellis. Included are two sinfonias by Antonio Caldara, to my ears not as musically interesting as the Vivaldi works.
Of the two recordings, the one by Queyras feels a little more rehearsed, steady and thoughtful. The Capella Gabetta has the feeling of being a pick-up band, albeit one made up of very fine players. Both recordings are full of life and youthful energy and are highly recommended.
