Since the mid-90’s I’ve been a huge fan of Antonio Vivaldi’s music.  The recording that really turned me on to his music was a CD of his Four Seasons concertos performed by violinist Gil Shaham and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.  Prior to this, the Vivaldi performances I heard were always very light and delicate – almost gentile in character, and, well, boring.  However, the Orpheus recording was really the first balls to the wall performance I heard of Vivaldi – it was totally irreverent, down and dirty – it just rocked.

Since that time, more and more groups have been releasing Vivaldi performances in that new light.  Another particular favorite of mine was the recording of Vivaldi songs performed by Cecilia Bartoli and Il Giardino Armonico.  Today, a friend of mine on Facebook turned me on to yet another one of these recordings – the most balls to the wall I’ve heard yet.  It’s incredible to me that this 300 year old music (played on instruments of the time no less) can sound so vibrant and relevant to our modern ears.  This performance is so full of life and passion – so awesome.  I’ll link a You Tube video below – make sure you watch it in high quality if you can.  It kicks much ass – these guys rock harder than most rock bands – srsly…