Vivaldi: The Four Seasons

Mr Bell can rarely play in anything but an excellent and clean fashion, and the same can be said of St. Martin-in-the-Fields orchestra. But in the case of this recording of Vivaldi's most famous set of concertos, there it ends. Technically well executed, almost no understanding of this marvelous 18th c. music is evident in this performance-- it adds nothing to the countless interpretations of this music that was not already present 25 years ago or more before the EM (or HIP or music reconstruction or whatever we may call it) movement came to the forefront. Make no mistake, I'm no "authenticity fascist" and do not have any objection to modern instrument performances, even with a little Romantic flair added in, but this is being marketed to us as a "deeply personal" interpretation and it rather feels perfunctory, at times, bordering on the joyless. By all means acquaint yourself with this wor, but there are better, more affectionate and joyful renditions available that may not have overly hyped commercial packaging or marketing driving them.

Vivaldi's Op. 8, 4 of the beginning of those 12 violin concerti headed 'Four Seasons' were preceded by poems depicting each in turn.
Mr. Bell's new album comes in a luxurious package in an attempt to foster the mood of the different seasons.
Alas, the outcome is vastly different from the poetic Italian setting. Rather, these are well-articulated pieces, played with mastery in terms of technique, but not interpretative skill.
First of all, Mr. Bell has not much idea about the musical nuances. The imagery he paints are much too lineal and flat. Perhaps he has in mind those hi-tech images now adorn CEOs' offices in New York. And when a CEO sits in his year-round warm or chill office, there isn't really not much change discernible with regard to nature.
Music making does have a lot to do with one's live experience.

Although nearly everybody who owns at least dozen classical CDs, has already Vivaldi's Four Seasons in his collection. In spite of this, I do not hesitate to chose Joshua Bell's version with the excellent orchestra as a present, The most charming composition and particularly Bell's wonderful performance as soloist deserves it; not to forget that also on this CD he plays the without any flaw the technically extremely difficult Devil's Trill Sonata by Tartini. It is good to hear Bell also masterly performing Baroque music.

this is a beautifully precise and moving version of vivaldi's much loved and most famous work. joshua bell never fails to please and the st. martin in the fields symphony does a lovely job as well. i have several versions of this work and so far this is my favorite.

He's incredible. The sound that he creates flows right to the center of the soul.