Europa Galante, Fabio Biondi - Vivaldi: Concerti con molti strumenti, Vol. 2 (2005) CD-Rip

The miracle is not that each succeeding disc of Vivaldi concertos by Europa Galante led by Fabio Biondi is as brilliant as the preceding discs. The miracle is not that for each succeeding disc that Biondi finds more first-rate Vivaldi concertos. The miracle is that, with so many gracefully charming, elegantly witty, and delightfully diverse concertos to chose from, that only Vivaldi's Four Seasons have become the musical wallpaper of elevators and airlines throughout the world. The miracle is that, with his charismatic interpretations and movie star name, Fabio Biondi hasn't become a musical Marcello Mastroianni. As a chamber orchestra, Europa Galante is the equal of the best in recorded history, with a burnished tone, a casual virtuosity, an innate sense of rhythm, and, when the slow movement requires it, a deeply musical expressivity. But, better yet, Europa Galante is one of the best groups of soloists in recorded history, with seemingly every player ready to take the spotlight. Listen to the Concerto for viola d'amore and lute in D minor: listen to Biondi saw and soar on the sweetest of stringed instruments, listen to Giangiacomo Pinardi sting and sing on the pluckiest of all stringed instruments, listen to their easy interplay above the strings of Europa Galante: this is music-making of the highest order. Virgin's sound is clear, warm, and deep.