Kristina Hammarstrom - Vivaldi: Opera Arias and Concertos (2014)

This survey of Vivaldi kicks off with a gutsy yet articulate performance of the Concerto for two trumpets RV 537, featuring flamboyant playing from soloists Andrea Di Mario and Jonathan Pia; it serves as a thrilling overture that leads directly into the spectacular trumpet-laden aria ‘Con palme ed allori’ from Teuzzone (which features some extraordinary embellishments by Kristina Hammarström). A broad range of Vivaldi’s theatrical output for Venice, Mantua and Verona is represented by a pleasingly varied selection of six arias from four different operas and another two arias by Giacomelli from the pasticcio Bajazet (including the striking lament ‘Sposa son disprezzata’, perhaps the recital’s sentimental highlight). Marcello Di Lisa’s astutely paced performances are packed with high-velocity extravagance [...], and ‘Sol da te, mio dolce amore’ (Orlando furioso) attains valuably soft delicacy thanks to the fine work from the flautist Luigi Lupo, tender supporting strings and Hammarström’s emotive singing. -- David Vickers