Concerto in b for four violins

There are few musical forms that epitomize the Baroque era like the instrumental concertos of Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741). Most music lovers know Vivaldi wrote hundreds of solo violin concertos, such as the evocative “Four Seasons.” But there exists a handful of concertos for multiple violins, nearly all of which appear in L’estro armonico or “Harmonic Inspiration,” Vivaldi’s Opus 3 published in 1711. The brilliant concerto for four violins in B minor, number 580 in the Vivaldi catalog, is a highlight of the set. Rarely do all four soloists play together, apart from the tutti sections, but it is a joy to see sound become physical. As different performers take on successive thematic strands, their contrasting styles, mannerisms, and tonal color create a spatial dimension to the music.
The opening Allegro, begun by the solo group or concertino, moves feverishly from start to finish, with solo episodes paced perfectly against tutti sections. Following a quasi-improvised slow movement, the fleet finale in 6/8 time dances its way to a rousing finish. It is wonderful to hear the soloists, in a kind of jazz situation, periodically step into and out of the spotlight. This concerto inspired Bach, who used Vivaldi’s themes to create a Concerto in A minor for four harpsichords, BWV 1065.

(c) Jason Stell