Vivaldi's century would have assigned the lute to the Third Programme, the mandolin to the Light. But in truth there was more difference in the style of playing than basically in the instruments themselves: those complex and refined finger-movements for the lute, that Come back to Sorrento plectrum tremolo for the mandolin. Forswear the tremolo, as Vivaldi (and other serious composers) did, and the resources and tonequalities of the two instruments are not so very dissimilar.
They can also be very attractive, and at times on this record are so. Any limitation is often more in the simplicity of the writing, for Vivaldi seems to have had specific amateur soloists in mind rather than any disembodied ideal player. The G major Concerto, though, is for two mandolin soloists; and by division of labour these two are allowed to make more resourceful sounds. Expecially attractive is their slow movement, accompanied only by pizzicato violas, for the absence of harpsichord continuo is here a positive advantage— elsewhere there is from time to time substantial right-hand activity in this direction which in some degree obscures the similar-sounding solo line.
The lute pieces have very similar characteristics. Perhaps one trick is lost when the Trio is recorded with the same resonant ound accorded the orchestra ; the resulting contrast is minimal, the more especially as the indicated solo violinist at times gives strongly the impression of being a distinctly multiple personality. Even if the collective sounds, however, are not as varied as could be they are all interesting ones, and kept on the move by Vivaldi's skill. Well performed and recorded (in stereo—the mono I have not heard) this disc will, I am sure, have its devotees.
01. Chamber Concerto for Lute and 2 Violins in D major, RV 93 Allegro guisto (31:44)
02. Concerto for 2 Mandolins in G major, RV 532 Allegro (35:35)
03. Concerto for 2 Mandolins in G major, RV 532 Andante (28:57)
04. Concerto for 2 Mandolins in G major, RV 532 Allegro (33:25)
05. Concerto for 2 Flutes, 2 Salmo, 2 Mandolins, 2 Violins, 2 Guitars, Strings and Harpichord C-major Allegro molto (3:50)
06. Concerto for 2 Flutes, 2 Salmo, 2 Mandolins, 2 Violins, 2 Guitars, Strings and Harpichord C-major Andante molto (20:22)
07. Concerto for 2 Flutes, 2 Salmo, 2 Mandolins, 2 Violins, 2 Guitars, Strings and Harpichord C-major Allegro (26:59)
08. Chamber Concerto for Lute and 2 Violins in D major, RV 93 Largo (5:16)
09. Chamber Concerto for Lute and 2 Violins in D major, RV 93 Allegro (22:09)
10. Concerto for Viola d'Amore and Lute in D minor, RV 540 Allegro (48:47)
11. Concerto for Viola d'Amore and Lute in D minor, RV 540 Largo (4:36)
12. Concerto for Viola d'Amore and Lute in D minor, RV 540 Allegro (30:05)
13. Concerto for Mandolin in C major, RV 425 Allegro (23:57)
14. Concerto for Mandolin in C major, RV 425 Largo (27:05)
15. Concerto for Mandolin in C major, RV 425 Allegro (19:26)
Chamber Concerto for Lute and 2 Violins in D major, RV 93 Allegro guisto (31:44)
Concerto for 2 Mandolins in G major, RV 532 Allegro (35:35)
