Review Metadata:
Composer: Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Works: Arias and Concertos: From the operas: L’Olimpiade, Tito Manilio, Ottone in Villa, Farnace, Bajazet, La fida ninfa, from the oratorio Juditha Triumphans, and from his Gloria. Plus Concerto in C Major for Flautino, Strings and Basso Continuo, and Concerto in D Major for Lute, Two Violins and Basso Continuo.
Performers: Cecilia Bartoli (soprano), Il Giardino Armonico (conductor and flautino soloist: Giovanni Antonini), Featured soloists: lute (Luca Pianca), oboe (Maria Grazia D’Alessio)
Recorded at: Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris, September 2000
Label: ARTHAUS MUSIK DVD 100 228
Format: dts digital surround sound
Release: October 2001
Review by: Grace Barber
In the realm of Baroque performance, few artists command attention with the vibrancy and finesse of Cecilia Bartoli. Her latest release, Viva Vivaldi, is a remarkable exploration of the lesser-known operatic and sacred arias of Antonio Vivaldi, presented with the spirited accompaniment of Il Giardino Armonico. This DVD, recorded at the illustrious Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, not only showcases the depth of Vivaldi’s oeuvre beyond the oft-performed Four Seasons, but also illuminates Bartoli’s interpretative prowess.
Bartoli opens with the aria “di due rai languir constante,” a tantalizing introduction that immediately captivates. The tantalizing ambiguity of the piece, which is not attributed to any known opera, serves as a fitting prelude to the emotional landscapes she deftly navigates throughout the performance. Here, her vocal agility is matched by a teasing playfulness, setting a tone of anticipation for the arias that follow.
In her portrayal of Aminta from L’Olimpiade, Bartoli delivers the aria “tra le follie diverse siam navi all ‘onde algenti” with a spirited intensity that adeptly captures the character’s pride and determination. The contrasting tempi she employs exhibit not only technical mastery but also an acute understanding of the emotional narrative, as the performer oscillates between moments of vigorous animation and reflective introspection. This duality is further emphasized in her interpretation of Lucio’s aria from Tito Manlio, where the smooth legato and melancholic phrasing unveil a tragic depth, echoing the influences of both Bach and Handel in its lyrical quality.
The dynamic interplay between Bartoli and oboist Maria Grazia D’Alessio during “gelosia, tu gia rendi” from Ottone in villa is a testament to their musical rapport. Here, Bartoli’s fiery expression transitions seamlessly into tender lamentation, showcasing her remarkable ability to convey a spectrum of emotions within a single aria. The vibrant conversation between voice and oboe is reminiscent of the best duets in the Baroque canon, demonstrating a keen sensitivity to each other’s phrases and nuances.
In “armatae face et anguibus” from Juditha Triumphans, Bartoli’s execution of the fiery coloratura passages is a triumph of both technique and emotional conviction. The portrayal of Vagus confronting her adversities resonates with palpable intensity, elevating the performance into realms of dramatic authenticity. Similarly, her interpretation of “Gelido in Ogni Vena” from Farnace is hauntingly beautiful—a visceral expression of maternal grief, marked by anguished coloratura that nearly overwhelms with its emotional weight.
As the concert progresses, the inclusion of two Vivaldi concertos offers a refreshing contrast to the arias. The Concerto in C Major for Flautino, Strings and Basso Continuo and the Concerto in D Major for Lute, Two Violins and Basso Continuo are performed with vigor and precision. The outer movements are infused with an infectious energy, while the central Largos reveal a lyrical sensitivity characteristic of Il Giardino Armonico’s style. The ensemble’s ability to marry technical precision with expressive depth elevates Vivaldi’s instrumental writing, making it an integral part of the overall experience.
The engineering of this DVD deserves commendation; the dts digital surround sound envelops the listener, allowing the nuances of Bartoli’s voice and the ensemble’s textures to emerge with crystalline clarity. Each aria and concerto is meticulously balanced, providing an aural landscape that underscores the dramatic contours of the performance.
Historically, this collection serves as a vital reminder of Vivaldi’s broad compositional range and the richness of his operatic output, which often goes overlooked in favor of his more familiar works. Bartoli’s commitment to bringing these pieces to light underscores her dedication not only to Vivaldi but also to the broader Baroque repertoire.
In conclusion, Viva Vivaldi is not merely a concert; it is an evocative journey through the emotional and musical intricacies of Vivaldi’s works, amplified by Bartoli’s extraordinary interpretative skills. The synergy between her voice and the instrumental color provided by Il Giardino Armonico creates a compelling narrative that resonates long after the final notes have faded. For both Vivaldi enthusiasts and newcomers to his music, this DVD offers a vibrant and engaging experience that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally fulfilling.
