Kreeta-Maria Kentala · Siiri Virkkala · Barocco Boreale · Andrew Lawrence-King
2016 · ABCD 402
Courage to Experiment
Antonio Vivaldi: The Folk Seasons; Barocco Boreale; 1 SACD, Alba, ABCD 402, recording 06/2016, release 10/2017 879’31) – review by Guy Engels, translation by Pia Brückner
’The Four Seasons’ by Antonio Vivaldi is one of the most frequently recorded pieces of classical music. Above, the four concertos have been transcribed several times, with mostly highly original and often not very tasteful results. Original may also be the right term for the album delivered by ’Barocco Boreale’. The Finnish ensemble approaches Vivaldi’s work from a Nordic perspective by specifically including folkloric instruments, which add a touch of freshness to the overall sound.
And the experiment works indeed: ’Barocco Boreale’ refrain from any commercial crossover. As it were, ’The Four Seasons’ undergo a rejuvenation; the music sounds thrilling, extremely vivid and expressive throughout, whereby the lovely birdsong in "Spring" rather serves as a nice add-on. Particularly the ensemble’s relaxed buoyant playing and their effective presentation of the sheet music bestow upon the listener a rediscovery of this repertory classic.
Barocco Boreale revisites Le Quattro Stagioni from a Nordic perspective. And it works! With the ensemble’s fine playing, the rejuvenation process is absolutely delightful.
Courage to Experiment
Antonio Vivaldi: The Folk Seasons; Barocco Boreale; 1 SACD, Alba, ABCD 402, recording 06/2016, release 10/2017 879’31) – review by Guy Engels, translation by Pia Brückner
’The Four Seasons’ by Antonio Vivaldi is one of the most frequently recorded pieces of classical music.
**** Four star review in Pizzicato website
The musicians of Baroccoo Boreale share a rich variety of international experience in mainstream, folk and Early music. Guided by Baroque principles and italian style, they bring to life Barocco Boreale´s vision of the contrasts of the Finnish climate, from winter sports to midnight sun in the summer.
”A refreshing approach to a much-loved and much-recorded work” -MusicWeb International
”A refreshing approach to a much-loved and much-recorded work” -MusicWeb International
I enjoyed hearing both Concerto Köln and Barocco Boreale in the original and Max Richter’s re-imagined version but the next time I want to hear The Four Seasons it’s likely still to be a choice from Neville Marriner (Decca), Rinaldo Alessandrini (Erato) and Federico Guglielmo (Brilliant Classics).
MusicWeb International · Brian Wilson ·
Unusual accents prevail, and the playhers seem devoted to extracting as many unusual sounds from their instruments as possible.
ClassicalCDReview.com · Robert Benson ·
Soloist Kreeta-Maria Keniala’s involvement in a wide variety of period and folk performing makes her performance a joy from beginning to end, and if you’re not fearful of having a bit of fun and exploring the ‘literal’ heart of this masterpiece then this is very much a Four Seasons that can enhance even a collection which already has a number of versions.
MusicWeb International · Dominy Clements ·
Die Solisten, Kreeta-Maria Kentala und Siiri Virkkala, musizieren gekonnt, aber für meinen Geschmack erstaunlich brav.
ouverture - Das Klassik-Blog ·
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