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I first heard of Joshua Bell, the incredible violin virtuoso, from his collaboration with Josh Groban on Josh's album Closer. They did one song together, Mi Mancherai, and I was blown away by how beautiful he played and how high the violin could really go. Since I heard that collaboration, I had to buy as many of his albums as I could afford. One of my ultimate favorites was the soundtrack to the Red Violin (the movie was pretty good too) His most recent album, Vivaldi: The Four Seasons, is just so beautifully played, so elegant, so beautiful, he really knows his instrument well and displays incredible virtuosity. I don't know too much about all the technicalities of classical music, all I know is the elegance and beauty that the player and instrument can bring. His interpretation of Vivaldi and Tartini, a composer whom I've never heard of until this album, was simply brilliant. I especially enjoyed his Devils Trill Sonata, that for me is Joshua Bell at his best and that, from what he said in the linear notes, was very difficult to play and that he played it when he was 13. Bravo Joshua Bell on yet another brilliant album! You're a class act! Excellent!
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Joshua Bell is always magnificent, and this CD is no exception. Exciting interpretation of
thrilling and alive music.
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Ok, but there about probably about a billion recordings of Vivaldi's four seaons, and I know this is probably the last CD you would want to buy, but Joshua Bell is such a brilliant violist, its worth it to buy this CD, he really puts a new spin onto Vivaldi's best known concerti.
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For those that love Joshua Bell, this album will be a must-have. Slick packaging, a small poster of the player himself on one side and a calendar on the other, four cards with pictures on one side and seasonal poems on the other... For those that love Vivaldi, not so much. Bell's interpretation (in spite of the adulation in the liner notes) sounds less like an "individual interpretation" and more like the Suzuki method of approaching The Four Seasons. This particular grouping of Vivaldi's work is something that really need not be done again, and it's to Bell's discredit that he did it. It's also to his discredit that he did it the way it was done. Credit, however, where credit is due: Bell interpreted the Tartini very well, and seemed to show the emotion lacking in the Vivaldi, and for that reason alone the album is not a waste. Also, The Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields did a wonderful job, given what they had to work with. If you must listen to the album for the Four Seasons, try to ignore the soloist and focus on the group. Sadly, this time around, it's not too difficult.
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I am a huge fan of Joshua Bell and his interpretation of the Four Seasons is the best i've heard. If you are a huge fan of Vivaldis four seasons then do not think twice about buying this CD. Its beyond amazing and I absolutely love it!!
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