Review: Vivaldi - Concerti per una vita

In the accompanying booklet, violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte expresses his fascination with the significance of slow movements in Vivaldi‘s concertos. This focus on “vocality” in his interpretations, emphasizing the singing quality of the violin, truly shines throughout the album. Notably, the performances of these slow movements stand out as some of the highlights of this extensive program, which features a captivating blend of world premieres, established works, and compositions by Vivaldi’s contemporaries.

Vivaldi – Concerti per una Vita

Théotime Langlois de Swarte’s latest Vivaldi album, “Concerti per una Vita”, on Amazon.

Buy Now

Both de Swarte and musicologist Olivier Fourés, who collaborated on the program, claim that this recording completes the recording of all Vivaldi’s instrumental music that has been found to date. Be that as it may, de Swarte and Le Consort ensemble present a vibrant and multifaceted exploration of Vivaldi’s concertos. One of the album’s strengths is its diversity; It features numerous world premiere recordings, alongside well-known pieces like an interesting early draft of the summer concerto from The Four Seasons (RV 315).

Although clocking in at around 2.5 hours, the album avoids monotony thanks to the rich tapestry of styles and textures woven throughout the program. This variety is further enhanced by the employment of diverse ensemble sizes, ranging from intimate solo performances to the full orchestral sound. This dynamic approach keeps the listening experience consistently engaging.

De Swarte’s virtuosity is undeniable, shining through the entire album. However, it is his sensitive and nuanced approach that truly sets him apart. He possesses a beautifully singing tone, drawing out the inherent lyricism of Vivaldi’s melodies. His phrasing feels natural and inevitable, perfectly capturing the musical style without unnecessary embellishments or exaggerated gestures. In the Largo from RV 37a, de Swarte showcases this mastery, alongside the superb continuo group. Their creative originality as accompanists elevates this movement and others throughout the album.

De Swarte’s choice of gut strings and period-appropriate bows contributes significantly to the sound world of the interpretation. He avoids the overly bright and sometimes harsh tones that can plague some “period” recordings, instead opting for a warmer and more nuanced approach that does full justice to the music. Tempos are lively but never rushed, allowing the music to unfold naturally. Likewise, the slow movements are paced thoughtfully without dragging.

The recording by Harmonia Mundi deserves praise for its warm and natural sound, capturing the rich timbres of the instruments and the subtle nuances of de Swarte’s performance.

Concerti per una vita
Violin Concertos by Vivaldi
Théotime Langlois de Swarte – Violin & Conductor
Le Consort
Harmonia Mundi, CD HMM 902373.74