Title - The Irish Seasons
Artist - Lynda O’Connor
For those unaware, as responses to Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons go, the world-premiere of The Irish Four Seasons by Ailbhe McDonagh instantly ranks amongst the most evocative and ear-catching.
Presented alongside the “Red Priest’s” monumental opus, in the debut recording by leading Irish violinist Lynda O’Connor, McDonagh’s The Irish Four Seasons resonates with a shrewd synthesis of Baroque style and Irish culture.
O’Connor explains, “Irish and Baroque music are similar in many ways. The freedom to ornament, similarities in structure and the prominence of reinterpretation are apparent in both styles”. O’Connor and McDonagh are frequently referred to as musical soulmates. In their most recent collaboration, they bring to bear Ireland’s huge musical heritage.
Arranged over four movements – Earrach (Spring), Samhradh (Summer), Fómhar (Autumn), and Geimhreadh (Winter) –The Irish Four Seasons introduces new Irish airs inspired by Vivaldi’s memorable melodies, creating an exciting and emotive work that proudly takes its place alongside the Baroque evergreen. Supported by her new, hand-picked ensemble Anamus under the baton of David Brophy, O’Connor brings these programmatic works – old and new alike – to palpable life.
ANTONIO VIVALDI (1678–1741)
Le quattro stagioni (The Four Seasons), Op. 8
Concerto No. 1 in E Major, RV 269 “La primavera” (spring)
1. I. Allegro
2. II. Largo
3. III. Allegro
Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, RV 315 “L’estate” (summer)
4. I. Allegro non molto – Allegro
5. II. Adagio – Presto
6. III. Presto
Concerto No. 3 in F Major, RV 293 “L’autunno” (autumn)
7. I. Allegro – Larghetto – Allegro assai/molto
8. II. Adagio molto
9. III. Allegro
The Four Seasons: Concerto No. 4 in F Minor, RV 297 “L’inverno” (winter)
10. I. Allegro non molto
11. II. Largo
12. III. Allegro – Lento – Allegro
AILBHE McDONAGH (*1982)
The Irish Four Seasons
13. I. Earrach (spring)
14. II. Samhradh (summer)
15. III. Fómhar (autumn)
16. IV. Geimhreadh (winter)
This most magically sculpted new recording opens on ANTONIO VIVALDI’s stupendous Le quattro stagioni (The Four Seasons), Op. 8, and which first offers up Concerto No. 1 in E Major, RV 269 “La primavera” (spring) and the adorable Allegro, the sterner fare of Largo and the dancefloor swirl that guides Allegro.
Along next is Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, RV 315 “L’estate” (summer), where we are first greeted by the ornately sculpted Allegro non molto – Allegro, the aching yearn found within Adagio – Presto and then comes the formidable Presto, with the Concerto No. 3 in F Major, RV 293 “L’autunno” (autumn) following closely behind: opening on the spirited Allegro – Larghetto – Allegro assai/molto, the ornately plucked melodies of Adagio molto and then we get the flourishing Allegro.
Up next is the culminating piece within the work, The Four Seasons: Concerto No. 4 in F Minor, RV 297 “L’inverno” (winter) and which begins on the playful, at first, fervent latterly Allegro non molto, then gives us the sheer elegance of Largo, before the dainty fare of Allegro – Lento – Allegro is brought forth, the recording closing on the impassioned work from AILBHE McDONAGH, The Irish Four Seasons: which itself opens on a longing found within Earrach (spring), the vivacious Samhradh (summer), the flirtacious Fómhar (autumn), closing out on the lonesome craving that embodies Geimhreadh (winter).
Official Purchase Link
Official Website
www.avie-records.com