Vivaldi Virtuoso

1. Vivaldi Virtuoso Cantatas
2. Vivaldi Virtuoso
3. Vivaldi Virtuoso
4. Vivaldi Four Seasons Virtuoso

Review by: David Vernier

This recording would have been a shoo-in as a “disc of the year” candidate were it not for one thing: the extremely aggressive, often dominant continuo, especially the excessive, exuberant, even rude playing of bassoonist Jérémie Papasergio in several cantatas, including the opening and closing works. It’s partly the fault of the engineering, which places the continuo players–bassoon, cello, theorbo/lute, and harpsichord–way too prominently in the mix, but often these instruments just sound as if their players believe their parts should be the stars of the show. And that’s unfortunate, because countertenor Philippe Jaroussky is a marvel–a stunning virtuoso performer whose vocalism here confirms my assessment from an earlier review of songs by Ferrari (type Q6759 in Search Reviews) where I described Jaroussky’s extraordinary “purity of tone and subtlety of expression as well as the near-inhuman technical feats he brandishes as naturally as breathing”.

Concerto For Two Mandolins. Arranged By – Siegfried Behrend Composed By – Antonio Vivaldi. Florentine Wedding Dances For Mandolin Orchestra. Composed By – Siegfried Behrend. Old Italian Court Music For Mandolin Orchestra. ANTONIO VIVALDI - Virtuoso cantatas (for contralto & basso continuo) RV 670; 671; 674; 676; 677; 728; & 778; Sonata for cello & continuo in B-flat major RV 47. For most of his life, Vivaldi was a violin teacher, composer and conductor at the music school of the pieta, an institution for orphaned or illegitimate girls in Venice. Vivaldi was famous and influential as a virtuoso violinist and composer. But Vivaldi's popularity waned shortly before his death in 1741, and he died in poverty.

The disc’s title doesn’t lie: these cantatas require a singer of rare ability who also possesses the artistic instincts sufficient to elevate the conspicuously theatrical to something more profoundly awe-inspiring–perhaps on a musical level, the difference between a cheap fireworks display and the aurora borealis. And truly, where he’s given the chance, Jaroussky shines as bright–or brighter–than any of today’s world-class countertenors, with a pure, centered, ringing tone and not the slightest hint of a harsh edge. In other words, he’s not only a dazzling, dynamic, and commanding performer–he’s also easy to listen to, and if my artistic merit rating were only for Jaroussky, it would be an unqualified 10. If you need to be convinced, just listen to the disc’s final track, the aria “Cor ingrato dispietato”, a tour de force that Jaroussky delivers with astonishing, effortless ease–but more than likely will leave his listeners gasping for breath! In spite of the abovementioned problems (the offending bassoon is silent for much of the program), this really is worth hearing for the pure pleasure of Jaroussky’s singing.

Recording Details:

ANTONIO VIVALDI - Virtuoso cantatas (for contralto & basso continuo) RV 670; 671; 674; 676; 677; 728; & 778; Sonata for cello & continuo in B-flat major RV 47

• Philippe Jaroussky (countertenor)
  

• Virgin Classics - 5 45721 2
• CD

Angel Vivaldi (born June 13, 1985) is an American guitarist, songwriter, producer, philanthropist and environmentalist. Voted 'third best guitarist' in 2014 by Prog-Sphere,^[1] he began his solo career in 2003. Vivaldi has self-released five records, Revelations, The Speed of Dark, Universal Language, Away with Words: Part 1, and Synapse. In 2015, he released a cover of Joe Satriani's 'Crystal Planet' single. Vivaldi is known for his virtuoso guitar playing style and cinematic music videos.

Early life[edit]

Born in New Jersey to an Italian-American and Puerto Rican family, Vivaldi grew up on dance music, freestyle music and Spanish music.^[2] He started playing guitar at 15 and is self-taught. He cites Nirvana, Megadeth, Yngwie Malmsteen and Eric Johnson as early influences.^[3] Vivaldi was strongly discouraged from becoming a musician by his family and had little support from them.^[4]

Music career[edit]

Early career[edit]

Vivaldi performed live regionally for four years before recording any music (other than demos). After releasing his debut album, 'Revelations', in 2008 (which since then has been removed from all outlets), he joined Black Market Hero. He released his second EP titled The Speed of Dark in 2009 (which saw a re-recording/re-release in August 2016) and uploaded his first play-through of Acid Reign on YouTube shortly thereafter.

He competed in Guitar Player magazine's 'Guitar Superstar Competition' in 2010 with judges George Lynch and Gary Hoey.^[5]

Universal Language, Vext[edit]

Released in May 2011, Vivaldi recorded Universal Language with producer Will Putney. It became a viral success following the release of two music videos for 'A Mercurian Summer' and 'A Martian Winter'. Despite critical acclaim and success, it would be four years before any extensive touring was done.

Shortly after the release of Universal Language, Tommy Vext (ex-Divine Heresy, ex-Snot, Bad Wolves) approached Vivaldi about joining his supergroup Vext which featured members of Mutiny Within. Vivaldi recorded and performed on the band's debut EP titled Impermanence. Vext was offered record deals however Vivaldi left due to not being ready to sign a contract.^[6]

Away with Words and present day[edit]

2014 would see the release of Away with Words: Part 1 which was also produced by Will Putney. The songs are titled from 1 to 5 in Morse Code. This album cycle also saw two music video releases for the songs '▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄' (One) and '▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄▄' (Two). Vivaldi began touring in 2015 with a headlining US/Canada tour with The Algorithm. He continued to tour extensively throughout 2016, ending with co-headlining US tour with Gus G (Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind).

It was announced in 2015 that Away with Words: Part 2, a primarily acoustic release, would be put on hold to focus instead on a full album called Synapse.^[7] Though the album was slated to be released in 2016, its eventual release date was October 6, 2017.

In 2017, he released the album Synapse.

Philanthropic work[edit]

Vivaldi participated in the annual Jemfest event held in Orlando, Florida. Its aim was to raise money for Steve Vai's Make A Noise Foundation. Vivaldi performed in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2010 which featured a masterclass from Steve Vai.

Following the events of the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting, Vivaldi broadcast a six-hour live stream to raise funds for the victims and their families.^[8]

After losing his friend to ALS in 2014, Vivaldi launched a live broadcast with Chris Letchford of Scale the Summit called 'Shred for ALS', raising money for ALS research at the ALS Therapy Development Institute.

Vivaldi Virtuoso Cantatas

He has also spoken out as a gay man in support of the LGBT community.^[9]

He practices meditation stating that it helps with getting focused while on tour or in the studio.^[10][11]

Influences[edit]

Vivaldi holds Kurt Cobain as one of his biggest inspirations to picking up the guitar.^[12] Today his influences include Carmen Miranda, Kaki King, Jean Luc Ponty, Evergrey, Misery Signals, Parkway Drive and Mattias Eklundh.^[13]

Equipment[edit]

Vivaldi had been a long-time user of seven string Ibanez guitars, primarily an RG7 called 'Dorothy'. He can be seen using various Ibanez 7-strings throughout his videos, but he records and performs mainly with 'Dorothy'.

He uses Mesa Boogieamps, Fractal Audio Axe FX 2 XL and DiMarzio pickups.^[14]

Vivaldi Virtuoso

In 2018 Vivaldi was endorsed by guitar manufacturer Charvel, which made him a seven string variant of their 'DK-24' as a signature model.^[15]

Discography[edit]

Angel Vivaldi[edit]

• Revelations (2008)
• The Speed of Dark [EP] (2009)
• Universal Language [EP] (2011)
• Away with Words: Part 1 [EP] (2014)
• Crystal Planet (digital single) feat. Dan Sugarman (2015)
• The Speed of Dark: Revisited [EP] (2016)
• Synapse (2017)
• Wave of Synergy (digital single) feat. Andy James (2018)
• Triple Helix (digital single) feat. Cole Rolland (2019)

Vivaldi Virtuoso

Vext[edit]

• Impermanence [EP] (2012)

Band members[edit]

Vivaldi Four Seasons Virtuoso

• Angel Vivaldi – lead guitar (2003–present)
• Jason Tarantino – rhythm guitar (2009–present)
• Bill Fore – drums (2010–present)

Former members[edit]

• Jake Skylyr – bass (2007–2017)

Concert tours[edit]

• Touring You Apart, 2015 – Angel Vivaldi, The Algorithm, Save Us from the Archon
• The Shape of Color Tour, 2015 – Intervals, Plini, Angel Vivaldi, Save Us from the Archon
• Operation Domination, 2016 – Angel Vivaldi, Gus G
• The Wave of Synergy European Tour, 2017 – Angel Vivaldi, Andy James, The Fine Constant
• The Guitar Collective, 2017 – Angel Vivaldi, Andy James, Scale the Summit
• Melodic Decadence Tour, 2018 – Angel Vivaldi, Hyvmine, Day of Reckoning
• The Guitar Collective, 2018 – Angel Vivaldi, Nita Strauss, Jacky Vincent

References[edit]

1. ^Nikola Savić on February 1, 2015 (February 27, 2015). 'Best Guitarists of 2014 - Results Are In!'. Prog Sphere. Retrieved December 30, 2016.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
2. ^'Angel Vivaldi Interview'. Wired Guitarist. April 2, 2016. Retrieved December 30, 2016.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
3. ^/ ladydeviant (December 20, 2013). 'Angel Vivaldi- Interview of Inspiration | Lady Deviant'. Ladydeviant777.com. Retrieved December 30, 2016.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
4. ^AF GM (October 5, 2012). 'AFGM: The Martian Contact: An Interview with Angel Vivaldi'. Afgallaghermusic.blogspot.com. Retrieved December 30, 2016.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
5. ^'Guitar Superstar 2010'. GuitarPlayer. Retrieved December 30, 2016.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
6. ^'angelvivaldi. | o f f i c i a l w e b s i t e'. Angelvivaldiofficial.com. Retrieved December 30, 2016.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
7. ^'ANGEL VIVALDI - Touring You Apart Interview | GEAR GODS'. YouTube. February 28, 2013. Retrieved December 30, 2016.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
8. ^'Orlando Shootings Fundraiser'. YouTube. June 12, 2016. Retrieved December 30, 2016.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
9. ^'Listen Up: Metal guitar instrumentalist Angel Vivaldi plays Drunk Horse Pub | Weekender'. fayobserver.com. November 4, 2015. Retrieved December 30, 2016.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
10. ^'» In Conversation With 'InstruMetal' Guitarist Extraordinaire Angel Vivaldi | Metal Assault: Interviews'. Metal Assault. November 9, 2015. Retrieved December 30, 2016.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
11. ^'AWAY WITH WORDS STUDIO DOCUMENTARY // Episode 4: Lead Guitars'. YouTube. Retrieved December 30, 2016.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
12. ^Jones, Patricia (October 30, 2015). ''Touring Me Apart': Talking life, music, and more with Angel Vivaldi'. AXS. Retrieved December 30, 2016.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
13. ^'BAH Magazine: Angel Vivaldi NAMM Interview 2016 by Talia Farber'. Bahmagz.com. Retrieved December 30, 2016.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
14. ^'Arsenal'. Angelvivaldiofficial.com. Retrieved December 30, 2016.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
15. ^'Angel Vivaldi'. Charvel blog. Retrieved February 8, 2018.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)

External links[edit]