Concerto de’ Cavalieri have produced recitals exploring the operas of Alessandro Scarlatti and Pergolesi, and the third volume in ‘The Baroque Project’ arrives at more familiar territory. This survey of Vivaldi kicks off with a gutsy yet articulate performance of the Concerto for two trumpets, RV537, featuring flamboyant playing from soloists Andrea Di Mario and Jonathan Pia; it serves as a thrilling overture that leads directly into the spectacular trumpet-laden aria ‘Con palme ed allori’ from Teuzzone (which features some extraordinary embellishments by Kristina Hammarström). A broad range of Vivaldi’s theatrical output for Venice, Mantua and Verona is represented by a pleasingly varied selection of six arias from four different operas and another two arias by Giacomelli from the pasticcio Bajazet (including the striking lament ‘Sposa, son disprezzata’, perhaps the recital’s sentimental highlight). Fruity oboes contribute to ‘La gloria del tuo sangue’ (Teuzzone), and the virtuoso cello obbligato in ‘Di verde ulivo’ (Tito Manlio) is played boldly by Giovanna Barbati.

Marcello Di Lisa’s astutely paced performances are packed with high-velocity extravagance but on occasions gentler gracefulness might better realise the potentially subtle contours of Vivaldi’s music. However, the Largo from the fifth concerto from L’estro armonico is played sweetly, and ‘Sol da te, mio dolce amore’ (Orlando furioso) attains valuably soft delicacy thanks to fine work from the flautist Luigi Lupo, tender supporting strings and Hammarström’s emotive singing. It is a pity that the booklet does not explain the dramatic contexts and emotions of the characters.