Best version of Vivaldi's Four seasons?

[3-LockBox]

No really...I used to have a CD sampler way back and the Vivaldi was my favorite piece, but I lost the CD long ago.

[dean_martin]

No really...I used to have a CD sampler way back and the Vivaldi was my favorite piece, but I lost the CD long ago.

I have Seiji Ozawa - Boston Symphony Orchestra w/Joseph Silverstein on violin.

Not sure if this is the best, but I think I got the recommendation here several years ago.

http://www.amazon.com/Vivaldi-Four-S...e=UTF8&s=music

[noddin0ff]

I really like this one
http://www.amazon.com/Vivaldi-Season...e=UTF8&s=music

It's much more lively than most interpretations. The seasons actually feel like seasons. The packaging is a bit commercialized but the music isn't.

[JohnMichael]

A good performance and excellent recording is by the Vivaldi Ensemble Tokyo. It was recorded direct to disc and the record plays at 45 rpm. I made a good cd copy for playing in the car and on the stereo when I do not feel like firing up the ttable. I also have the Four Seasons with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra featuring Itzhak Perlman. Good performance but not ground breaking.

[kexodusc]

Oooh...great question - I have a few version I can't recall off the top of my head, but none are anything special. Wouldn't mind finding the preferred audiophile version.

[Davey]

I have Seiji Ozawa - Boston Symphony Orchestra w/Joseph Silverstein on violin.

Not sure if this is the best, but I think I got the recommendation here several years ago.

Yeah, I have quite a few on CD and LP, but that's always been my favorite. You can really get lost in it at times. One of the first CDs that made it to market, and one of the first in my collection, but still shames most made today. You may want to check out one of the better recordings with period instruments too for a much different take. Something about the sound that really works for this piece, and Vivaldi in general. Just sounds right. Try the 1969 Decca release by Academy of St Martin-in-the Fields, Neville Marriner conducting. I've read that violinist Alan Loveday ripped through it in 40 uninterrupted minutes after the band came back from various "watering holes", as they hadn't been able to get through it that morning so took a break. It's a "real" performance. I have the vinyl and it's very nice, but I'm sure there are high def remasters by now since it is a classic by most standards.

[nobody]

Don't know if its the best, but I picked up a version by Gil Shaham with Orpheus that I really enjoy. Its a very energetic performance.

[Resident Loser]

No really...I used to have a CD sampler way back and the Vivaldi was my favorite piece, but I lost the CD long ago.

...if it's the best, but you might wanna' check this out:

Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" a la Tim Burton?...

http://www.virginclassics.com/vclass...imento_rh.html

http://www.amazon.com/Vivaldi-ciment...518406?ie=UTF8

FWIW, check out the user comments @the Amazon link.

As an alternative, Biondi and Europa Gallante also have:

http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/...album_id=64264

jimHJJ(...hope this helps...)

[bobsticks]

I really like this one
http://www.amazon.com/Vivaldi-Season...e=UTF8&s=music

It's much more lively than most interpretations. The seasons actually feel like seasons. The packaging is a bit commercialized but the music isn't.

I picked this up on DVD-A this morning and, after an early-afternoon listen, agree that it is a strong, lively interpretation. Found it to be mixed a bit sparse in the LFE channel but the performance more than made up for it. Good rec.

Funny thing is, I have passed this by several times due to the "commercialized" packaging. Interesting development in classical music--I mean nobody is going to mistake Hilary Hahn or Midori for Elle MacPherson or Vandella, but y'know, there's a certain degree of packaging that goes on now. I wonder if, in this day and age, Yehudi Menuhin could get a gig?

[noddin0ff]

Glad you like it! I probably would have never picked it up either, due to the packaging...it was gifted to me. Lucky me! It's sad to me that they have to sex up artists to sell. I sometimes find myself wondering why only attractive people have talent... Just think of all the great music we'd have if we didn't judge the book by the cover. Does the DVD-A package fold out 4 ways in a big photofest?

[bobsticks]

Yep, there is the obligatory cover/booklet.

[3-LockBox]

Just in case there was still some remote interest in this topic, I decided to get the Telarc: Ozawa version, since I've never been disappointed with the sound quality of a Telarc release.

So thanks to all for the recs

BTW: I did go to Best Buy and Circuit City, and both stores had three or four CDs with Vivaldi's Four Seasons, but they all looked very generic, so I decided to go with a rec.

[bobsticks]

Hey 3LB,

Didja snag the redbook or SACD version? My local hole had the SACD version of the Ozawa and I was considering putting it on next week's list. Keep us up to date...

Cheers