Concerto Italiano Performs Vivaldi's L'estro Armonico at Rome's Auditorium

On April 3, 2024, Rinaldo Alessandrini's Concerto Italiano performed Antonio Vivaldi's complete L'estro armonico at the Sala Sinopoli of the Auditorium di Roma. The concert was part of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia's 2023/24 Chamber Season, which began in October 2023 and runs through May 2024. The season features classical and romantic works, including Schubert's Winterreise performed on February 14 by Julian Prégardien with pianist Daniel Heide, with some 20th-century and contemporary music. L'estro armonico, Vivaldi's third published collection (Amsterdam, 1711) and his first of concertos, comprises twelve concertos alternating between concerto grosso and solo concerto forms. Dedicated to Ferdinando de' Medici, Grand Prince of Tuscany, the collection showcases Vivaldi's blend of invention and rules. Alessandrini, seated at the harpsichord, led the ensemble with coherent and effective interpretive choices, featuring precise and ornate string playing. The four violins took turns as soloists, sometimes in dialogue with the cello. The performance highlighted the collection's variety and innovation, captivating the audience for over an hour and a half.