This was one of two recordings through which I first became familiar with Vivaldi's Four Seasons during the mid 1950s—the other was of the Virtuosi di Roma on HMV. The I Musici version, here, furthermore was the first recording undertaken by what in those days stood apart as outstanding by a talented chamber ensemble. Felix Ayo, the solo violinist, is a fine player who remained with I Musici for many years contributing many memorable performances to its recorded repertoire. In 1959 he recorded Vivaldi's Four Seasons once more for Philips but that version, in stereo, though a step up the hi-fi ladder added little if anything to the vernal freshness of the earlier one. That, too, has been reissued on CD together with the Concerto in E major L 'amoroso, RV271 (Philips 416 611-2PH, 3/87).
Childhood affections can be strong and I unhesitatingly pin my colours to the mast of this warm, relaxed and far from unstylish mono performance. Tempos are leisurely and there is a welcome absence of exaggerated gesture. Of course, it no longer provides all that we want nowadays from our baroque performances. Articulation especially in tuttis, is not always effective, but Ayo's lyrical playing supported by clean and lively ensemble, is a constant source of delight, and the mono recording is representative of all that was best at the time. A warm welcome, albeit tinged with nostalgia, to an issue which rightly can be regarded as a Legendary Classic.'