In view of Vivaldi’s immense popularity today, it’s astonishing to think that during the19th century he was practically unknown.Thanks to our revived interest in J.S. Bach,who transcribed a number of his concertosfor use as formal models, the Italian has enjoyed a late resurgence and now stands asone of music’s most frequently performed composers.This charming release explores Vivaldi’scultivation of the chamber concerto – a form which, leading on from the concerto grosso as well as the composer’s adaptation of Torelli’s solo concerto, comprises a group of soloists without orchestra. Featuring many a prominent role for wind instruments, Vivaldi’s works pit ritornello(group) textures against virtuosic soloists in order to bring out the timbre of the individual instruments. The former passages evidently draw on those used in the composer’s sonatas for three instruments– two of which are featured on this disc –and from the chaconne-based variations of RV107’s last movement to the rustic dance-like rhythm in the first movement of‘La pastorella’, the set brims with invention.That Bach drew on Vivaldi’s concertos for his own musical development shows just how important these works are.With acclaimed period ensemble Collegium Pro Musica’s sensitive performance providing a fascinating insight into how the music would have sounded in its own day,the compilation documents a significant stage in the history of instrumental music.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Vivaldi’s complete chamber concertos,together with two of his contemporarysonatas for three instruments.• Includes booklet notes in English and Italian.

TRACK LIST

• Concertos RV 84, 87, 88, 91, 92, 94, 95 ‘La pastorella’,96, 99, 100, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, 801• Sonata in A minor RV86• Sonata in C minor RV83