Gramophone Magazine
April 2022
Editor's Choice

Rinaldo Alessandrini, Concerto Italiano

Bach, J S: Organ Concerto in A minor (after Vivaldi), BWV593

Bach, J S: Organ Concerto in D minor (after Vivaldi), BWV596

Bach, J S: Keyboard Concerto in D major (after Vivaldi), BWV972

Bach, J S: Keyboard Concerto in C major (after Vivaldi), BWV976

Bach, J S: Keyboard Concerto in F major (after Vivaldi), BWV978

Bach, J S: Concerto for Four Keyboards in A minor (after Vivaldi), BWV1065

Vivaldi: L'estro armonico - 12 concerti, Op. 3

Alessandrini’s modern approach, alternating original concertos and adaptations in a juxtaposition entirely his own, appeals to the delights of the imagination: this new recording by the Concerto Italiano is once again as much in honour of Vivaldi as of Bach, evidenced by the vibrant playing of these four outstanding Italian harpsichordists: Andrea Buccarella, Salvatore Carchiolo, Ignazio Schifani and Rinaldo Alessandrini, and the organist Lorenzo Ghielmi. Finally, this double album highlights four particularly compelling violinists from the Concerto Italiano, who play solo together or separately. Listeners will observe as much dexterity and fluidity in the strings as on the keyboard instruments, as much care in the definition of the musical lines, and invention in the ornamentations. We also find that we are familiar with L’estro armonico, as some elements are well known in both their original format (RV 580, RV 565, RV 230) and in Bach’s version for harpsichords (BWV 1065) or organ (BWV 596, BWV 593).

"This double-disc offering is so good that it feels like the only set a person would ever need. The ensemble sound itself from Concerto Italiano is warm, nimble and buoyant." - Gramophone Magazine, April 2022.