Two things have to be underlined in these recordings: the use of dedicated voices for this repertoire and the texture among voices, music and text.

The book included is full of information about manuscripts, music and performers: deserves a full reading. If you wonder what Vivaldi reminds us after years of commercial spots, obvious recordings and that Stravinsky' sentence, turn off the noise and listen what is emerging from the incredible amount of reconstruction's work done by scholars and musicians after the discoveries of Vivaldi original manuscripts in Turin: a whole change of perspectives in Vivaldi's musical perception. I am not prone to operas in general but this collection was a real and stunning discovery to me.

I bought this collection after having listened Orlando furioso and Bajazet (this one not part of the collection yet). When the next edition comes out I will not wait so long. That apart, vaule for money and a pure joy.If like me you know your Vivaldi you will not be disappointed. You do need nimble fingers to prise the disc off and then get it back on. The ony draw back is the album that the discs are attached to. It is always nice to know what was happening historically and personally in the composers life. The notes supplied were simply not in depth enough for my taste, after spending a considerable sum for the operas I did expect a bit more back ground and research. Crisp clear, a libertto in English, Phillip Jaroussky and other wonderful singers giving their best. Years ago I had bought Il Farnace the Massimo De Bernart version recorded pre-1990 on the Akademia label there was a liberetto but not in English and as live recordings are live there was lots of extra noise my M.Horne Orlando Furioso has seen better days and even though new by my standards my Montezuma Pasticco de Jean-Claude Malgoire recorded again live in 1992 now sounds like ancient history.

After I had taken the plunge and bought and played my Vivaldi Operas I wondered why I had waited so long to make the purchase.

Vivaldi edition operas