Vivaldi: Concerti con molt strumenti, Vol. 2.

Vivaldi: Concerti con molt strumenti, Vol. 2. Fabio Biondi, Europa Galante. Virgin Classics 7243 5 45723-2.

I suppose one should pursue what one is good at. In the case of Fabio Biondi and his Europa Galante ensemble, that is clearly the work of Antonio Vivaldi. Nearly half of Europa Galante's recorded output for Virgin Classics and Opus 111 are in works of Vivaldi. Darn good thing he and his group do it so well.

In this instance they're into their second volume of Concertos for various instruments, the various instruments being violins, violos, flutes, oboes, cellos, horns, bassoons, timpani, harp, and harpsichord, all in assorted combinations in seven separate concertos. As usual, I came away from the album unable to tell remember one piece from another, except in the case of the opening work, the Concerto grosso a 10 strumenti, per violino principlae, 2 corni da caccia, tympano, 2 oboi, 2 violini, alto viola con basso, RV 562a. This is the biggest, broadest, and most imposing piece of music on the disc, making an appropriately theatrical attention-getter to begin the show.

All of the concertos are performed in typically lively style by Biondi and his players, a hallmark of his success. While the readings may not be as polished as those by some other Baroque interpreters, Biondi's enthusiasm makes up for any small deficiencies and quickly wins the day. Although I must say, in his defense, that he has calmed down somewhat since his first heady days on Opus 111. Nevertheless, the speedy tempos and wide dynamic contrasts remain, if not quite at so breakneck a pace.

The sound is robust, to say the least. It is slightly closer than I'd like to hear, rather large in a melodramatic sense, fairly well detailed but a tad soft around the edges. For listeners who like their Vivaldi big and bold, Europa Galante should again fill the bill.