Mariana Sirbu bowed in with a recording of Vivaldi violin concertos which was enthusiastically received by NA (Philips, 7/95) and here she joins the company of the many artists who have recorded The Four Seasons with I Musici – something of a ‘tradition’ in itself. Of more recent versions, that of Federico Agostini with I Musici offers a direct comparison, and not one that puts the newcomer at a disadvantage. Sirbu is no less incisive than Agostini and, particularly in the slow movements – which both artists play with little added adornment, her lines are more finely and imaginatively nuanced.
I Musici remain crisp and responsive, and a novel touch is their addition of a lute to the continuo; it is from time to time audible, providing the little fill-ins usually the prerogative of the harpsichord, as for example in the final Presto of “Summer” and the Adagio molto of “Autumn”, though in the latter its economical comments perhaps lack the icy edge of the harpsichord. The inclusion of two other concertos from Op. 8 (La tempesta di mare and Il piacere), no less compellingly played, suggests that Sirbu will complete her recording of the whole of the set; I certainly hope so. The well-balanced recording has brightness and life. This may be counted among the very best middle-of-the-road versions of The Four Seasons, strongly recommended to first-time buyers, but if you already have Agostini’s you may rest content with it – unless your appetite for ‘seasoning’ is insatiable.'