Antonio Vivaldi's opus 2 sonatas, for solo violin and continuo, are among twelve collections of instrumental music committed to print between 1705 and 1729. Only three contain sonatas-Op. 1 (1705) consists of twelve trio sonatas, Op.2 (1709) twelve solo sonatas and Op. 5 (1716), described by Vivaldi as 'seconda parte' of Op. 2, four violin and two trio sonatas. These are 'immature' works, in many ways a discretely different response to the all-encompassing shadow cast by Corelli. Although not quite the Vivaldi of the Four Seasons, they are still striking in their musical language and should rightly be accorded the same status of his other, more mature works.

...his playing also shows a sense of structure that is often lacking in many others' performances.

The Op. 2 collection, recorded here by Signum Records, would be a fine addition to any music-lover's library. Performed by the highly virtuoso Walter Reiter with Shalev Ad-El (harpsichord), Katherine Sharman (cello) and Lynda Sayce (theorbo), Vivaldi's music finds a new voice with a thoroughly exciting performance. Primarily, we are treated to Baroque violin playing at its best - Walter Reiter's control of his instrument is, to say the least, astounding; not only does he demonstrate a clear understanding of the music's affekt, but his playing also shows a sense of structure that is often lacking in many others' performances. In particular, the sonatas seem to have a sense of unity as a whole - not only do the sonatas work as single units, but when played end-to-end, a more subtle structure is apparent, as if the complete opus were one long, varied work. This approach is refreshing and welcome.

Reiter certainly takes risks and for those who feel they need the relative stability of a predictable (though less-exciting) performance, this disc is unfortunately not for you; Cordaria respond not only to the pathos of slower movements, but to the humour and vivacity of quicker ones. The final Allemanda Allegro of Sonata no. 12 is a case in point - the music displays much humour in an almost perpetuum mobile manner, to which the performers respond with equal good nature. Stylistically-aware ornamentation is well conceived, but for some reason, melodic elaboration is reserved almost entirely for repeat sections, a feature that is all too common in modern performances. Nevertheless, when it does occur, it is never intrusive or, as is sadly the case in some modern performances, awkward.

Special note should be taken of the stunning continuo playing, a driving force behind the music, which adds much to the performance; Ad-El provides a rich harmonic background on which Reiter hangs the solo lines, his role being that of a collaborator rather than accompanist, one that is sensitively responsive to both Katherine Sharman and Lynda Sayce.

Along with excellent insert notes provided by Vivaldi scholar Michael Talbot, this disc is a rich and exciting resource and cannot be recommended highly enough.

John Woodford

vivaldi.mp3, size: 0.952MB Click here to download a sample mp3 of Vivalidi's Sonata 12 op. 2 CD 2, Track 18 - Cappriccio Presto Walter Reiter - violin Shalev Ad-El - harpsichord Lynda Sayce - theorbo