Catalogue

Summary:

“Among an abundance of recorded interpretations of the Vivaldi concertos, O’Connor’s captures something of the immediacy and visceral nature of these programmatic works. The album’s inclusion of McDonagh’s concerto should help to further the appreciation of her music.” ★★★★ – BBC Music Magazine

“well-crafted and neatly paying tribute to Vivaldi while asserting its own national origin to rather good effect. It deserves further hearings … sensitive, filled with elegant touches … emotive without being inappropriately Romantic in sound or pacing. It is, in fact, a splendid performance that makes this disc well worth owning for the Vivaldi alone” – Infodad

“Lynda O’Connor is a fine violinist with a pleasing, mellow tone who plays with commitment” – American Record Guide

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.

Tracklist:

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)

Lynda O’Connor, violin

Anamus, orchestra
David Brophy, conductor