Although he wrote mostly in large multiples of works for similar ensembles,
Antonio Vivaldi composed very little for the lute. Only four of the seven works on this U.S. release involve the lute, and in only one, the famed Concerto for lute and orchestra in D major, RV 93 (widely known in guitar versions), does it have the stage to itself. But this is probably
Vivaldi's entire lute output. The Bach Sinfonia, a Washington, D.C., historical-performance group, offers the lovely and neglected Concerto in D minor for lute, viola d'amore, and orchestra, RV 540, one of the composer's last works, as well as pair of what are confusingly designated as trios for lute and violin (they are trio sonatas, with lute, violin, and a cello continuo). The program is bookended by a pair of orchestral sinfonias, with a vocal cantata featuring soprano Jennifer Ellis Kampani in the middle. American lutenist
Ronn McFarlane has specialized mostly in Renaissance music, but his clear tone and smooth, rather relaxed playing carry over effectively to
Vivaldi. The slow movement of the RV 93 concerto has taken on an almost new age-y quality through sheer repetition, but
McFarlane succeeds in weaving a hypnotic spell. Everywhere he plays the music is enjoyable, but elsewhere the news is not so good; the orchestral players are unpleasantly bright, the use of a theorbo continuo in the larger pieces dilutes the effect of the lute, and the somewhat brittle sound is below the Dorian label standard. This recording may appeal to
Vivaldi lovers with its unusual collection of pieces from mostly late in his career, but those after the D major lute concerto or other specific pieces have various other places to look.