March 2009
There is vigor, there is polish, there is proper style, and there is as always the most realistic and attractive sonic frame from Telarc. Missing, however, from both the soloist and the ensemble in the Vivaldi favorite, is that level of infectious vitality that is as challenging to define as it is to manufacture in performance. It simply happens or it doesnt; while it usually does happen with Pearlmans group, what we have here doesnt measure up to the standards established in all those earlier recordings. One of the attractive ideas here is the inclusion of two of the concerti grossi Geminiani arranged from Corellis violin sonatas, but, perhaps even more conspicuously than in The Four Seasons, these come off as missing that last degree of all-out conviction. The last of these fascinating works is not a multi-movement sonata but an elaborate set of variations on the old Spanish tune "La Folía," in which Corelli demonstrated for the ages how much intensity could be produced with his modest forces. Mr. Pearlman, perhaps cautiously avoiding excess in that direction, has in this instance given us something that might be regarded as merely tidy. There may be listeners for whom tidiness on this level is enjoyable in its own right, but Id say this is strictly for devoted fans. GO BACK TO: |