Vivaldi, Antonio / The Baroque Gypsies
Ensemble Caprice
Label: Analekta 2007

This recording pairs concertos for recorder, strings and basso continuo by Vivaldi (1678-1741) with apposite gypsy pieces from a collection published in 1730, and entitled Collection Uhbrovska. Ensemble Caprice believes that Vivaldi may have heard or known some of these pieces, both through his travels and when migrants from Slavic lands came to Venice, where he taught for many years at the Ospedale della Pietà, an “orphanage” for the illegitimate daughters of noblemen. Gypsy motifs and stylistic elements such as virtuoso racing passages, syncopated rhythms and abrupt dynamic contrasts are found in Vivaldi’s works. In this recording, the Ensemble Caprice follows the tradition of both Vivaldi and of gypsy musicians by improvising cadenzas in his concerti and riffs, elaborations and expansions in the gypsy tunes.

(1:46) Gypsy pieces – Hungaricus 15. Rousing
(1:18) Gypsy pieces – C 256. Upbeat tempo, but minor key
(2:10) Gypsy pieces - IAG BARI. Like a Turkish bazaar tune.
(0:48) Vivaldi (Ensemble Caprice): Concerto in Bb Maj, RV 375 – Cadenza. Recorder virtuoso arpeggios
(4:37) Vivaldi: Concerto in Bb Maj, RV 375 – Allegro Molto. Slow intro, then sprightly minor key passages, with recorder minor key laments and dances
(3:57) Vivaldi: Concerto in Bb Maj, RV 375 – Adagio. Stately sadness
(3:44) Vivaldi: Concerto in Bb Maj, RV 375 – Allegro. Bravely we go forward. The piper lifts of courage.
(2:02) Gypsy pieces – Hungaricus 25. Hoedown in the old country.
(1:47) Gypsy pieces – Hungaricus 23. Shades of Scotland and kilts.
(4:24) Gypsy pieces / Cadenza & Hungaricus 53. Nighttime and witches.
(1:28) Gypsy pieces – C 106. Dance outside the tavern, with some self-mocking.
(3:24) Vivaldi: Concerto in C maj RV 533 – Praambulum/Allegro. Ominous first half, gay second half.
(2:31) Vivaldi: Concerto in C maj RV 533 – Largo. Recorders lilt above pontificating strings.
(2:02) Vivaldi: Concerto in C maj RV 533 – Allegro. All sing ho!
(0:46) Gypsy pieces – C 206. Nobles watch without laughing at the peasants.
(2:28) Gypsy pieces – C 207. Now we mourn.
(1:08) Gypsy pieces – C 208. Good-natured dancing, with some leaping.
(2:59) Gypsy pieces – C 345. Everyone mourns the passing of a beloved king.
(1:36) Vivaldi: Concerto in G min, Op. X, No. 2 RV 104 – Largo. Dawn breaks over the Venetian Arsenal (ship-building yards)
(0:51) Vivaldi: Concerto in G min, Op. X, No. 2 RV 104 – Presto. The workmen labor with energy and dedication.
(1:04) Vivaldi: Concerto in G min, Op. X, No. 2 RV 104 – Largo. Lunch break with sad minstrel tales told.
(0:53) Vivaldi: Concerto in G min, Op. X, No. 2 RV 104 – Fantasmi. Back to work with renewed energy, spurred by the threat of war.
(1:49) Vivaldi: Concerto in G min, Op. X, No. 2 RV 104 – Il Sonno. Late at night, the shipyard guards jerkily drift into sleep.
(1:57) Vivaldi: Concerto in G min, Op. X, No. 2 RV 104 – Allegro. Out of the blue, sailors appear in the early hours to prepare ships to sail.
(3:52) Gypsy pieces – Praamublum I. Courtly dancing by country folk.
(1:24) Gypsy pieces – Pulcher. Latin for beautiful, here meaning “noble”
(1:18) Gypsy pieces – Anglicus. A clear reference to Scottish highlands, me bonnie lass
(2:11) Gypsy pieces – Ballet Doctoris Fausti ad Mensam. Faust at a banquet.
(3:08) Vivaldi: Concerto in C maj P. 81 – Adagio. Venetian canals pass by at surprising speed.
(3:08) Vivaldi: Concerto in C maj P. 81 – Cadence / Adagio. A virtuoso recorder player in Piazza San Marco introduces his slower string friends.
(2:16) Vivaldi: Concerto in C maj P. 81 – Allegro. Stormy winds and a light rain blow through the Piazza.
(1:21) Gypsy pieces – C 272. Heavy peasants dance tipsily, with syncopation.
(3:12) Gypsy pieces – C 275. Modal harmonies, modest tempo.
(1:48) Gypsy pieces – Asztali Nota. Syncopated staggering of a wounded but victorious soldier.