Customer Reviews
Exciting, Quite Original, Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" From Janine Jansen
Startling, exciting, and quite original, are the very words to describe Janine Jansen's unique, quite insightful, interpretation of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons". While there are many fine recordings of this work, with the best of the relatively recent crop include Mutter's and Chang's, Jansen's recording deserves ample praise simply for its bold, daring performance of Vivaldi's concerti cycle. Why? Hers is quite literally a stripped-down interpretation, consisting of herself, five other strings (two violins, viola, cello and double bass), theorbo and box organ/harpsichord. It is a tightly knit ensemble that includes American violinist Julian Rachlin, her brother Maarten (cello) and her father Jan (box organ/harpsichord). This allows for a "wonderfully transparent sound" that allowed "the musicians to be very flexible in colouring, dynamics and timing", as she notes in the CD liner notes. An ensemble that has yielded a very brisk, and very spirited, interpretation of these Vivaldi pieces. Needless to say, Decca's sound engineers have done a superlative job in this recording, which was made back in the Spring of 2004 in a Dutch concert hall. If there is only one false note that might be seized upon by detractors of Ms. Jansen's exceptional talents as a fine young classical musician, then it is the existence of appealing, quite alluring, photographs of her in rather revealing gowns on virtually every page of the CD liner notes; however, do not use these as a guide to determine whether or not you should acquire what is truly an exciting, rather invigorating, interpretation of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons".
Way too Romantic
I expected more from Ms. Jansen due to her reputation. But I should have known better after seeing the CD cover, with the artist carefully 'lounging' - posing in a way to display herself center stage, whilst dangling her Stradivarius like a bauble. The cover actually is a good summary of the music within: a tribute to the violinist, rather than the music.
I have heard other "passionate" renditions of the Seasons before, but I found this one unthoughtful and out-of-control in comparison. This is purely a romantic performance of a Baroque piece, and that's a shame, bc Janine is talented & smart enough to balance her interpretation with the score. I think that every violinist who records something as widely known as the Seasons has a difficult job standing out. That's why it's pretty amazing when you hear the performer's voice through the familiar structure, and the Seasons are reinvented. But this recording is indulgent. It's unique bc it is played without structure -- nothing newer or deeper than that.
In the first paragraph of this CD's booklet (which shows multiple other pose-y pictures of herself), Janine Jansen writes: "While trying to be faithful to each score, emotion and passion are very important to me in a performance. Technique has to be there, of course, but it should never be the main thing."
Her paragraph is a good summary of the performance. She's so talented, which is why I really missed the absence of balance, elegance, & nuance in her interpretation. It sounds like an earnest, clever artist deliberately trying to be different. I would actually admire that more if the expression went deeper than exaggerated emotions. In the end, I guess it's a matter of taste. Many people will find this a passionate rendition. I thought it was certainly emotional, but not genuine. The phrasing is strange, with emphasis on particular notes rather than the overall melody (esp noted in Spring). The tempos lurch from one extreme to the other. The dynamics are in your face, going from one extreme to the other within a space of phrases. Not everything is technically clean either -- Winter is a amateurish headlong rush & all the notes are meshed together. But my main critique is that Janine takes such artistic freedom with Vivaldi's music that Vivaldi's structure, that unseen but lovely extra performer, is purposefully cast out, deliberately not given a chance to tango.
However, this CD is a fun and entertaining listen! I listen to it occasionally for the pop music quality of the playing which is fun! - like Richard Clayderman does the Bach Goldberg Variations. My husband, who doesn't really listen to classical, actually told me that he felt uneasy when I had the CD running, so in a way, Janine Jansen has pushed the envelope (a positive or negative again depending on point of view).
I have to commend the other players on this CD. My favorite part was the purity of their instrumental voices, which was generally clear due to the small group setting, especially in the Spring runs. The recording quality is excellent.
Unique and Timeless Rendition of a Classic Set of Concertos
This is a unique, clear and memorable rendition of the well-known "Four Seasons" Concertos as composed by Antonio Vivaldi. The light, clear and harmonious presentation of these famous Concertos make this particular recording stand out. There is a timeless and enduring feel to this recording.
I have listened to many recordings of these Concertos and, in my opinion, this recording stands out distinctly from all others in a positive manner.
I recommend this for everyone who enjoys the "Four Seasons".
Price: $16.98 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. 
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