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Which Vivaldi Four Seasons CD to buy???

OK - I'm a total beginner when it comes to classical music. I'm only recently getting into it because it helps me get through my law school readings and retain the information. The music I normally listen to doesn't really do that.

Anyway, I figure Vivaldi's Four Seasons is a good place to start. (I think that my taste leans towards the Baroque era because I also like Albinoni Adagio). My problem is which Four Seasons CD is the best one in terms of the musician and audiophile quality? There seem to be so many out there... (I think that my father has one by Telarc?)

Thanks!
mdp0430
geronimo
24 posts
 
I totally agreed with Opalchip on the BIS label by the Drottingholm Baroque Ensemble as being one of the BEST(BIS-CD-275). I also would recommend the JVC xrcd24 version Orchestre De Chambre Jean-Francois Paillard, Gerard Jarry, violon(JM-XR24001). Both are excellent recordings.
ncarv
974 posts
 
The one I have is 400 045-2.
opalchip
354 posts
 
I have and the number on that is Archiv 2534 003 recorded in 1982. Archiv 400045 CD is the equivalent. Here's a little review of it:

http://stereotimes.com/mr1030034.shtm

and BTW - here's a very interesting history of Vivaldi and Four Seasons recorded performances:

http://www.classicalnotes.net/classics/vivaldi.html

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Also another recommendation if you're into this type of music as background for studying - Corelli's Concerti Grossi on Nicholas McGegan, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra Harmonia Mundi HMU 7014 (LP), HMU 907014 (CD). This was on Stereophile's 1991 Records To Die For list. You will LOVE it!
mdp0430 OP
60 posts
 
Thanks everyone! I've placed my order on Archiv's site. I will try to listen to all of your other suggestions as well...

I also like Bach, Suite No. 3, Air; Pachelbel Canon; Albinoni, Adagio; Haydn, Symphony No. 94, Andante... I'll be looking to purchase these as finals approach...

Thanks again!
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Me,3, with opalchip___ Back 'round 20 years ago public radio (kcet,in LA,I think) used to have a shoot-out every Sat.AM on different pieces. They would try 3,4 mins. of each movement;starting with 4/5/ versions.Drop one or two off. YUP,Bis 275 was the winner. Sat.back then you had to "run" to your local Tower;there was always a "run" on the winner. I most always made a cassette of their show. I think the jd's were Bonnie Brice and Tom Campbell. I remember he HATED just about anything on the Phillips label. He said he could hear Claudio Arrou's nails on the keyboard. I guess he was a audiophile??
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