Containing over 50 concertos and sonatas which effectively trace the first 3 quarters of
Vivaldi’s career, this fantastic 9CD box set presents a fitting tribute to one of the most
celebrated Baroque composers of the instrumental style.

The collection begins with the Trio Sonatas of Op.1, closely modelled on two sets of
chamber (i.e. dance) sonatas by Corelli. Although this former tutor’s voice is discernible, it is
Vivaldi’s which is the more distinct, and as we continue onto works such as La Stravaganza –
a name which refers to the ‘extravagant’ structural and expressive details scattered
throughout the set – and the beautifully crafted violin sonatas of Op.5, a more individual
style comes to the fore.

Out of all the works on the recording, however, it is the Four Seasons – an early example of
programme music, and Vivaldi’s most famous creation – that demands the highest level of
virtuosity from the soloist. Sensitively performed here by the players of I Solisti di Milano, it
leads to the affective cello sonatas of Op.12 which conclude the compilation. Rich in strong
gestures and memorable phrases, this 9CD collection will provide hours of pleasurable
listening and is a must-buy for the Baroque connoisseur.