For those unaware, Gianluca Capuano is an Italian conductor and keyboardist known for his expertise in Baroque and early Classical music. He’s particularly celebrated for his interpretations of composers like Vivaldi, Handel, and Gluck.

Capuano frequently leads ensembles in historically informed performances, bringing a fresh and vibrant approach to well-loved repertoire. He’s built a strong reputation through recordings and live performances, showcasing both instrumental works and operas.

With these three discs, the Vivaldi Edition continues its adventure, step by step, unearthing recently discovered pieces and also consecrating pillars of the Venetian composer’s repertoire, foraging in the concertante register as well as in the vocal collection, illustrating both the extent of the genius of Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) and what we still have to discover of a protean but recognizable work.

1. French Suite No. 1 in D Minor, BWV812
I. Allemande [1:34]
II. Courante [1:27]
III. Sarabande [3:30]
IV. Menuet I [1:10]
V. Menuet II [2:17]
VI. Gigue [1:57]

2. French Suite No. 2 in C minor, BWV813
I. Allemande [2:07]
II. Courante [1:27]
III. Sarabande [1:58]
IV. Air [0:59]
V. Menuet (I) [0:56]
VI. Menuet (II, VWV 813a) [1:20]
VII. Gigue [1:39]

3. French Suite No. 3 in B Minor, BWV814
I. Allemande [1:41]
II. Courante [1:51]
III. Sarabande [2:24]
IV. Anglaise [1:00]
V. Menuet I [0:44]
VI. Menuet II (Trio) [1:17]
VII. Gigue [1:46]

4. French Suite No. 4 in E flat major, BWV815
I. Allemande [2:04]
II. Courante [1:29]
III. Sarabande [2:12]
IV. Gavotte [1:02]
V. Air [1:36]
VI. Menuet [1:22]
VII. Gigue [2:06]

5. French Suite No. 5 in G major, BWV816
I. Allemande [1:42]
II. Courante [1:20]
III. Sarabande [2:29]
IV. Gavotte [0:51]
V. Bourrée [0:58]
VI. Loure [1:04]
VII. Gigue [2:50]

6. French Suite No. 6 in E major, BWV817
I. Prélude [1:32]
II. Allemande [2:13]
III. Courante [1:26]
IV. Sarabande [3:19]
V. Gavotte [1:27]
VI. Menuet polonais [1:05]
VII. Petit Menuet [0:45]
VIII. Bourrée [1:55]
IX. Gigue [2:06]

The skilled classical pianist, whose artistic vision extends beyond his technical proficiency, opens his new recording on French Suite No. 1 in D Minor, BWV812: which begins with the robust Allemande, the flourishing Courante and the decadent Sarabande, before the playful Menuet I, the elegant Menuet II and the forthright Gigue are brought forth.

Then comes French Suite No. 2 in C minor, BWV813: which opens on the beautiful Allemande, the strident fare of Courante, the luxuriant Sarabande and the frisky Air, and then come the emotive Menuet (I), the potent Menuet (II, VWV 813a) and the confident Gigue.

Up next is French Suite No. 3 in B Minor, BWV814: which begins on the sumptuous Allemande, the free-flowing Courante, the stoically sculpted Sarabande and the joyful Anglaise, before running out on the fervent Menuet I, the exquisite Menuet II (Trio) and the agitated Gigue.

Then comes French Suite No. 4 in E flat major, BWV815: which opens on the controlled Allemande, the assured Courante, the opulent Sarabande and the optimistic Gavotte, before we are gifted the sparkling Air, the coltish Menuet, ending on the blithe Gigue.

Along next is French Suite No. 5 in G major, BWV816: which itself begins with the sanguine Allemande, the expedient Courante, the dulcet Sarabande and the perky Gavotte, and they are backed by the brisk Bourrée, the fine fettle of Loure, rounding out on the vivacious Gigue.

Finally comes French Suite No. 6 in E major, BWV817: and this opens on the elegant Prélude, the cheerful Allemande, the abundant Courante, the alluring Sarabande and the stunning Gavotte, then comes the buoyant Menuet polonais, the resplendent Petit Menuet, the set coming to a close on the stylish Bourrée and the grandeur of Gigue.

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