An innovative DVD presenting two picture edits over one sumptuous soundtrack of Vivaldi’s perennial work. Users can choose between the ‘performance’ edit, featuring German violinist sensation Julia Fischer with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, or the ‘picture poetry’ edit, which overlays the music with images filmed throughout the year at the National Botanic Gardens of Wales. Julia Fischer, described as “not a talent, but a fully fledged phenomenal violinist” brings a commanding performance to the work which belies her youth.

Plus

''WHEN YOU REACH A GOAL...' Interview with Julia Fischer
FAVOURITE SEASONS - Views on the seasons’ moods and Vivaldi’s music
‘Director’s cut’ and ‘Performance edit’ options
20 page illustrated booklet in English, French and German


Reviews
‘Fischer’s playing is stylish and technically strong,... with some gorgeously sonorous passage-work. The Academy’s accompaniments are mint-condition.’
Classic fM Magazine

‘It’s no surprise that Julia Fischer,, with her looks of classic beauty, has been treated to a video debut...This recording...is clear and refreshing in a traditional way, with immaculate intonation from the soloist.’
The Gramophone

‘Julia Fischer is the disarmingly charming soloist in performances of Vivaldi’s ever-green, filmed at the National Botanical Gardens of Wales. Technically she’s very secure, and her violin has a lovely, singing tone. The small string orchestra is excellent in accompaniment, … not an EMR style performance, but one very much to enjoy, nonetheless. '
Early Music Review

‘Why yet another set of recordings (of these pieces)? The answer proffered by this DVD is the opportunity it provides to listen to them performed (on modern rather than currently fashionable period instruments) by the world’s most popular chamber orchestra along with one of the most brilliant of Europe’s young solo violinists, in a choice of two visual formats. First there is a so-called director’s cut, featuring images of the changing seasons filmed at the National Botanic Gardens in Wales (whose curator contributes to an explanatory note in the accompanying program booklet). Alternately there is the performance edit, showing Julia Fischer and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, led by Kenneth Stillito, performing the music beneath the gardens’ striking Norman Foster-designed glass dome.'
Toronto Star

Awards & Accolades:
Penguin Guide - 3 stars

CAT NO: OA 0896 D
FORMAT: NTSC
REGIONS: All Regions
PICTURE FORMAT: 16:9
LENGTH: 105 MINS
SOUND: DOLBY 4.0 SURROUND / LPCM STEREO
SUBTITLES: LA
RELEASED: 01/02/2004
NO OF DISCS: 1