Michael Copley, Camerata Bern, Thomas Füri - Vivaldi: Recorder Concertos (1985)

This recording gathers together the five concertos listed by Ryom as being for the recorder: the three for 'flautino' (generally accepted to be the sopranino) RV443-5, RV441 and the one (RV442) which Vivaldi reworked for the traverse flute (RV434 = Op. 10 No. 5), then displacing the recorder in popular favour. Michala Petri turned the tables by recording all six flute concertos of Op. 10 on the recorder (also Philips—LP only). Collectively these works plumb no great depths, either emotionally or intellectually, but, given the character of the solo instrument, one would not expect them to. The slow movements depend on simple charm, the outer ones on lightness and cheerful sparkle.
Michael Copley is outstandingly virtuosic, especially in the dauntingly demanding flanking movements of the flautino concertos, articulating with great clarity and intelligence whilst still finding time to give dynamic shape to his lines. Only in the area of intonation is his playing sometimes less than comfortable; the slow movements emphasize his tendency to sit a little flat, barely noticeable in the bubble of the quicker ones. Camerata Bern provide admirable support, attentive in very detail, crisply rhythmic, the harpsichord well enough to the fore for some apt 'comments' to be heard comfortably. The string sound has proper weight without improper density. Though playable on the sopranino (also in F) RV441 and 442 are given on the treble instrument, giving relief from what some might feel to be an unconscionable amount of piping. The recording is very well balanced; the cassette is clear in sound but less bright than the CD. This really is an excellent release and one that should tempt all Vivaldians.