Though he occasionally left us in some doubt as to exactly what he intended, Vivaldi's generosity in supplying concertos extended to a remarkable variety of instruments (the harpsichord is a notable exception) and, indeed, this is germane to the success of a programme such as that of the present record. In place of strong musical substance we have variety of timbre and apt writing for the solo instruments—though capabilities of the mandolin (and elsewhere the lute) are minimally explored, and one feels, as Vivaldi must have done, the trumpet's limitations when not working in the clarino register. As NA noted, this is not Vivaldi's greatest music but it does make very agreeable listening, especially when played so crisply and recorded so cleanly as it is here. It would have been easy to extend the programme to make fuller use of the CD medium beyond the 50'31'' offered, but the thought has the benefit of hindsight; in future recordings that will surely follow.'