Radio this morning is playing pretty much all of the the Four Seasons (Vivaldi, not Frankie Valli) and has reminded me how much I always liked that / those pieces.
What’s the ‘best’ recording to get on vinyl as a reference piece - I think I’ll just plan on getting one, so would be good to know if anyone’s come across the definitive release?
Probably going record shopping tomorrow so good to have it on the list
How about on the “Chasing the Dragon” label?
This night be of interest: https://community.naimaudio.com/t/the-quality-of-music/32749/39
Otherwise there are lots out there, but I have always enjoyed Nigel Kennedy’s playing of it, though I don’t know if available on vinyl (I have the CD).
Rachel Podger, violin, director
Johannes Pramsohler, violin
Sabine Stoffer, violin
Jane Rogers, viola
Alison McGillivray, violoncello
Jan Spencer, violone
Daniele Caminiti, theorbo
Marcin Swiatkiewicz, harpsichord/chamber organ
Yes, that one! Newly reissued on Decca Pure Analogue from original tapes.
For a vinyl choice you are right on time to pick up the just released Emil Berliner Studios Pure Analogue release of the Decca/Argo ASMF recording that’s highlighted above by @Maupas54 and @looneybird .
I have an original copy that’s so good that I hesitated a while to buy the new one. I eventually caved, but it arrived just before I went away so haven’t heard yet whether it’s worth the high cost, but for you buying the work on vinyl for the first time it should be ideal.
If you you did want a second version then the Rachel Podger mentioned by @Stokie is superb too and so totally different to the ASMF that It almost sounds like a different work.
I first suggested Rachel Podger, but I think she’s makes a good second choice as a contrast to the new Berliner ASMF release. There are so many recordings and Vivaldi apparently gives scope for improvisation. So Neville Marriner first choice, Podger when you would like to hear a historically researched recording.
My favourite, and I have heard the Kennedy many times and own the Chasing the Dragon and the Marriner is the Academy of Ancient Music version on L’Oiseau Lyre. Bonus is it’s very affordable, has stunning transparency and dynamics and tremendous verve. An old girlfriend bought my copy on vinyl around 1990 and I wouldn’t be without it - just absolutely stunning… It’s not just the sonics but the incredible interpretation for me too.
JonathanG
This was my go to Digital choice for a long time. The Summer thunderstorm sequence is particularly stunning isn’t it. Jude at Grahams HiFi was fond of using that piece to showcase upgrades 
Trevor Pinnock, English Concert, shop around is available on vinyl.
Pinnock is great, of course.
Though if you want a more exciting version, then Fabio Biondi with Europa Galante.
all great stuff guys - thanks! I’m going to shop around on Discogs tonight and see what I can find. Had very limited time yesterday and only hit 2 shops. And spent what time I had looking at the ‘new releases’
Loved & Hated version by Max Richter
Vivaldi - Recomposed By Max Richter - The Four Seasons
Max Richter has also The New Four Seasons (2022) on Deutsche Grammophon vinyls. I think Richter is for those who are jaded listening to The Four Seasons as musical wallpaper! If you like recomposition and minimalism then his approach may encourage listeners to return to an over-familiar piece with fresh ears.
…true, but it should definitely be thought of as an ‘as well as’ rather than ‘instead of’ a traditional version.
I’d recommend the AAM / Hogwood version on L’Oiseau-Lyre, 410 126-1. IIRC he uses a different violin soloist for each of the four pieces. The performance is stellar and the sound superlative.
I see that @JonathanG and @KJC have also suggested this version. That can’t be bad, with three recommendations.
I think superlative sound is what I’m looking for as I’m not musical enough to tell a stellar performance from a good one.
A problem with choosing a best recording of Vivaldi or of Baroque music in general, is that there are a number of different performing styles which sound very different and people often have strong views on which style they prefer, however well recorded. Early recordings typically used traditional string instruments and playing techniques whereas modern ones often use period instruments and a lot less vibrato. Some fans feel the older recordings sound muddy and un-historical, others find the “modern” sound too thin and uninvolving. For me, Podger and Hogwood are good, well recorded examples of historically informed performances and Marriner is a great example of using traditional instruments, but I’d be hard pressed to choose a best amongst them.
Roger
