Vivaldi was one of the most prolific of all the great composers, and his concertos, around 600 in number, are justly famous. His sacred music and some of the operas have also become popular. His musical imagination and the breadth of his invention are simply amazing.

However, this has all tended to overshadow his earlier works, especially the trio sonatas included on this CD. Dating from around the period 1710-20, these works have all the hallmarks that make his musical voice so individual. The freshness and variety of these sonatas never fails to surprise and captivate the listener.

These works were originally all composed for the violin, but in keeping with the practise of the period, the performers on this CD have substituted the recorder (flauto dolce), an instrument that the composer was very fond of. Many collections of such trio sonatas were published as for either violin or recorder in the early 18th century.