(2CD) TRIO SONATAS OP.1
L' ARTE DELL' ARCO

Here's another engaging release dedicated to Vivaldi's chamber music from the renowned Italian ensemble L'Arte dell'Arco, one which visits the earlier part of the Baroque composer's career through detailing his first published work (in 1705), the 12 Trio Sonatas Op.1. Federico Guglielmo, principal violinist and co-founder of the ensemble, explains in the liner notes that 'in those days the first work a composer had printed often represented not only proof of maturity and membership of the circle of composers, but also the most corrected and perfected of a lifetime's publications.' The fact that Vivaldi chose to remain within the confines of a glorious tradition implied the further challenge of dealing with what was effectively the most widespread genre of the period; the yardstick for all composers was clearly Corelli's output, comprising four 'monumental' collections of perfectly structured sonatas. But as we hear in these varied and colourful works, Vivaldi was well up to the task of matching the models on which they draw heavily, the innovation for which he is chiefly remembered following soon after in ensuing collections which gradually set him apart from his contemporaries. One of Brilliant Classics' most seasoned recording groups, Padua-based L'Arte dell'Arco deliver spirited and elegant renditions of these works - just as one would expect from a group that has, since its inauguration in 1994, established a reputation as one of the world's leading Baroque ensembles, counting amongst its collaborators Cecilia Bartoli, Pieter Wispelwey and Christopher Hogwood. A new instalment of the ongoing recording project by L'Arte dell'Arco, recording the complete Opus 1-12 by Vivaldi. This release presents the complete Trio Sonatas Op. 1 by the Venetian master, sonatas composed for 2 violins and basso continuo. These works firmly put Vivaldi on the map, his first publication as Opus 1 established his reputation as a master composer. His Opus 1 is a direct "hit", bold and daring music of high voltage, bearing the stamp of true genius. The performances of L'Arte dell'Arco and its leader Federico Guglielmo have the same shock effect as the music itself: highly dramatic, even theatrical, highlighting the inventiveness and originality of the music, originating from a deep love of the composer and is work. World premiere recording authorised and based on the Critical Edition by Fabrizio Ammetto, Istituto Italiano Antonio Vivaldi, Fondazione Giorgio Cini, Venice.