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Rachel Podger

Posted: Monday | 07.02.12

Vivaldi: La cetra – 12 concerti, Op. 9

Performed by Rachel Podger (violin), with the Holland Baroque Society

After recording Vivaldi’s set of Violin Concertos ‘La Stravaganza’, many years ago, Rachel Podger was immersed in recording and performing music by Mozart and Bach.

But apparently she felt that it is time to get back to Vivaldi, whose sense of drama she adores: “This time I chose his opus 9, the set of 12 Violin concertos entitled ‘La Cetra’.

There are plenty of jewels in this set, just as in ‘La Stravaganza’, with even higher technical demands made on the soloist including many, often exotic experimental effects.”

BBC Music Magazine wrote:

“Podger has one of the sweetest tones of any period-instrument violinist.”

The Sunday Times wrote on 24th June 2012:

“The variety of Op 9 astounds the ear, especially in these feisty readings, which emphasize the folksy roots of the dance movements and lend them an almost funky modernity. The highlight here is the B flat major double concerto — with Judith Steenbrink as second soloist”

Here is an audio recording of the Vivaldi – Concerto in G Major, Opus 4 no.3: Allegro Assai