ANTONIO VIVALDI A Concert for the Prince of Poland The Academy of Ancient Music, Andrew Manze

Dazzling music for a glittering occasion
On March 21st, 1740, a gala concert was held at the famous Ospedale della Pietà in Venice to honour the visiting Frederick Christian, Prince of Poland. The four concertos written by the sixty-one-year-old Vivaldi still survive in the manuscript which was presented to the Prince as a souvenir of the occasion. Possibly the composer's last works, their brilliant technical writing, unusual scorings and innovative instrumental sonorities surely rank them among his most delightful music.

“A delightful, well-conceived programme, executed with refinement of taste and technique.” – Gramophone

“Great fun” – (4 Stars) 1/2, USA Today

“A veritable pageant of colour.” Performance: (5 Stars) Sound: (5 Stars) – BBC Music Magazine