These exquisite sonatas are a prime example of the inspiration that Vivaldi had for the violin as an instrument of supreme expression. Hyperion has managed another winner with Elizabeth Wallfisch and Malcolm Proud on consistent top form throughout with the delightful addition of Richard Tunnicliffe on the cello in some works.
Each sonata is a delight to the ear and in some places I found myself wishing to dance around to the energetic music! I greatly enjoyed the D minor Sonata which is truly one of the most beautiful in this collection with an expansive Andante Prelude and a dashing Gigue that concludes proceedings in whirlwind fashion. However one cannot really single out one sonata from the other as all reveal a certain level of delicacy, beauty and mastery.
Wallfisch is born for this type of repertoire, and as expected she turns out impressive and highly authoritative performances throughout. Tunnicliffe is the ideal complement whilst Malcolm Proud accompanies with knowledge and sensibility creating a salon atmosphere that is quite authentic. The recorded sound is pretty much excellent and the baroque violin enthusiast would obviously need no hesitation to snap up this gorgeous collection.
Copyright © 2004, Gerald Fenech