Alexandra Conunova : Vivaldi: Le Quattro Stagioni Review

Alexandra Conunova is releasing Vivaldi: Le Quattro Stagioni, on which she is joined by a chamber orchestra for a compelling reading of Vivaldi’s masterwork. Though this is one of the most performed compositions in the classical world, Vivaldi: Le Quattro Stagioni captures the extremely sensitive and imaginative subtitles the composition celebrates about nature’s power and beauty. Alexandra Conunova’s violin playing is the perfect guide through this magical journey through the four seasons. Conunova’s goal in presenting the well-known melodies was to bring joy and fulfill an artist’s role, which is to bring beautiful works to life.

The opening movement, “Fall: I. Allegro,” from the Concerto No. 3 in F Major, Op. 8, RV 293, instantly brings the intimacy and extreme virtuosity required by the soloist into perspective. The chamber orchestra of twelve musicians performs with energy and cohesiveness. The parts are violin 1, violin 2, viola, cello, double-bass, and harpsichord, and of course, Conunova is the violin soloist. The ensemble brings out the theatrical elements of the music with their joyous attacking of the phrases. Conunova’s solo parts are played with passion, clarity, and much character. The recording captures the chamber orchestra’s energy with a balanced sound, and Conunova’s violin can be heard with all its rich tone and vibrance.

The ensemble and Conunova perform the extreme virtuosity of Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 8, RV 315, “Summer: III. Presto” with gusto and passion. The interaction between the soloist and ensemble parts is flawless, as they match Conunova’s color and excitement. As for Conunova’s performance, it is poetic, vibrant, and evocative. Her interlocking with the ensemble is precise, and she brings out all the celebrated qualities of Vivaldi’s music.  

Vivaldi: Le Quattro Stagioni is a passionate reading of the virtuosic Le Quattro Station. Conunova’s performance of the solo parts and written-out cadenzas are sublime. The chamber orchestra captures the many characterizations of the weather, as well as the emotions of joy, passion, new beginnings, human warmth, and fragility. With this recording, we can have joy and the appreciation of a true artist in her bloom of virtuosic passion and expression with Conunova’s Vivaldi: Le Quattro Stagioni. 

Alexandra Conunova: Website