Vivaldi: L'Estro Armonico - Brecon Baroque/Rachel Podger

Rachel Podger & Jonathan Freeman-Attwood about Vivaldi's "L'Estro Armonico" Op. 3

07:52

Classic FM Drive Featured Album, 23 February 2015.

L'Estro Armonico or 'Harmonic Rapture' is a collection of twelve concertos that Vivaldi wrote for one, two and four violins. The title of the collection sums up perfectly the vitality and freshness of his brilliant, inventive composing.

Violinist Rachel Podger set up Brecon Baroque in 2007 to be the resident ensemble at her annual Brecon Baroque Festival, and they've made quite a name for themselves performing these exhilarating pieces. It's not often that an audience can witness four violins trying to outdo each other! 

All the ensemble's rapier-like energy and dazzling brilliance is present on this recording which captures something of their live flair, sensitivity and intensity playing Vivaldi's music.