Refresh the playback
On this recording, «The Four Seasons» are framed by contemporary compositions. However, Fabian Müller does not quote or imitate. He explores the essence of Vivaldi’s movements.
The decision to record *The Four Seasons* as a young violinist’s debut album demonstrates strong self-confidence; Claves’ decision to partner with Silvan Dezini on this project is at least as remarkable. The most obvious raison d’être of this recording is the framework Fabian Müller composed to surround the four most frequently performed concertos in the repertoire: a prelude and three interludes, each approximately the same length as a movement by Vivaldi.
This is not one of the countless transcriptions, arrangements, or distortions that Vivaldi has already had to endure, but rather a series of frontispieces intended to convey, in modern language, the atmosphere of each of the seasons, while maintaining a respectful distance. These are neither quotations—which would inevitably be superficial—nor repetitions of motifs, but rather a free association—so free, in fact, that the relationship between the two composers becomes almost enigmatic.
The four new pieces are of exceptional musical quality. They begin by placing the violin in the foreground, then gradually give more space to the other instruments. They interrupt a flow that we know all too well, refreshing the listening experience by rekindling our curiosity to hear what comes next. The interlude preceding “Autumn” seems to pay homage to Webern, and the one preceding “Winter” to Shostakovich. Overall, everything is well-balanced and blends naturally into the work. Silvan Dezini is very convincing and performs these pieces with great virtuosity.
As for the original concertos, the performance by Silvan Dezini and the Ensemble Ostinato is certainly not lacking in merit; unfortunately, their understandable quest for originality often leads to the very fashionable tendency to overdo it and fall into an exasperating mannerism.
As an encore, we are treated to the famous trio sonata *La Folia*; Silvan Dezini and the Ensemble Ostinato do justice to the piece’s title and draw upon the full range of their creativity—which fits perfectly with this delightful burst of «madness.».
Vivaldi & Müller. *The Four Seasons*, Op. 8, and *Prelude and 3 Intermezzi* to Vivaldi’s *The Four Seasons* for violin and ensemble by Fabian Müller. Sonata in D minor for two violins and basso continuo, «La Follia,» Op. 1, No. 12, by Antonio Vivaldi. Silvan Dezini, solo violone. Ostinato Ensemble. Claves Records 3132
