Hyperion Records

The opening bars of the Concerto in C major, RV87, for treble recorder, oboe, two violins and continuo are arresting in that the brief Adagio introduction anticipates the main theme of the ensuing Allegro. Vivaldi thrusts his fertile melodic ideas amongst the four concertante parts which function both in a solo capacity and in varying groups. The melody of the slow middle movement is allotted to the recorder with continuo accompaniment. The robust conclusion is built upon a series of upwardly moving scale passages. As in the opening movement, the solo episodes are shared amongst the four melody instruments singly and in groups, though Vivaldi favours the recorder over and above the remaining parts in this instance.

from notes by Nicholas Anderson © 1989