Today is an overcast, rainy, and somewhat blah day. The temperature is in the mid 40s.
So, this morning’s Vivaldi selection is apropos; it’s the perfect pick-me-up for feeling downcast.
That, and my Panera Light Roast coffee dosed with cinnamon.
I certainly hope cinnamon is good for a person – or, at the very least, not bad. I drink a lot of it in my coffee every week. (Frankly, the coffee is probably worse for a person than the cinnamon; but what do I know?)
So, as I read the required chapters in Millard J. Erickson’s book Christian Theology, I listen to Vivaldi’s concertos, sip Light Roast coffee liberally dosed with cinnamon, and watch the rain fall.
The dreariness of the morning isn’t being helped much with Erickson’s chapter, which are not exactly the liveliest I’ve ever beheld.
But what am I gonna do?
It’s required reading for my class in Systematic Theology.
Just the Facts
Vivaldi CD 18 features 18 tracks for a total running time of 54:08.
This was recorded March 17-19, 2014, in Padua, Italy.
L’Arte dell’Arco returns, with Federico Guiglielmo at the helm.
The players this time are:
Federico Guglielmo, solo violin & concertmaster
Isabella Bison, violin I
Elisa Imbalzano, violin II
Mario Paladin, viola
Francesco Galligioni, cello
Mauro Zavagno, violone/double bass
Andrea Coen, harpsichord
Diego Cantalupi, theorbo/baroque guitar
Just the Feelings
Recording quality: 5
Overall musicianship/vocals: 5
CD liner notes: 2 (booklet in box set)/5 (pdf download from web site)
How does this make me feel: 4
Although all of the compositions on today’s CD were exceptionally well performed, only three tracks made me sit up and take notice:
Track 1 (Concerto No. 5 in B flat, RV 379, Allegro) – Lively!
Track 14 (Concerto No. 6 in B flat, RV 361, Largo) – Pizzicato!
Track 18 (Concerto No. 3 in D, RV 124, Allegro) – Lively!
The most entertainment I experienced listening to the above three tracks was Track 14. Every time I hear pizzicato I smile, if not laugh out loud. I always think of cartoon characters sneaking up on one another, tip-toeing.
But the opening track and the last track were both so lively and fun that they opened and closed the CD with tremendous joy.
The slim booklet that came with the box set contained an interesting note about Vivaldi’s life at this point. Essay author Jos van der Zanden wrote,
After his Opus 12, the cooperation with [Etienne] Roger [high-quality engraver] came to an end. In Vivaldi’s opinion, too large a percentage of the profits went to Amsterdam and he therefore decided to sell only handwritten copies. Posterity can only deplore his initiative, for a number of works are now lost forever.
This CD was two thumbs up.
Another great selection of music from Brilliant Classics!