This disc of sonatas by Vivaldi is an attractive one in which the oboe provides the most important ingredient. The pieces are not of equal merit but they are played with such panache and with such an invigorating feeling for gesture that it does not really matter. The strongest work here is Vivaldi's only Solo Sonata for oboe and continuo, in C minor (RV53). It is a splendid composition and one of the finest oboe sonatas of the period. It is also a technically demanding one but the soloist, Paul Goodwin, is comfortably its master, giving a secure and lively account of it with responsive support from a stylish continuo team. Goodwin is joined by Gail Hennessey in a less frequently performed Trio Sonata in G minor (RV81). The two instruments are nicely balanced and pleasingly matched in sound but this is a lesser piece than the C minor work; indeed, nothing in the remainder of the programme quite matches its strength. Only one other work on the disc is the product of Vivaldi's pen, a Sonata in C major (RV779) for oboe, violin, organ and chalumeau. Here Goodwin is joined by John Holloway, John Toll and Colin Lawson whose chalumeau part, though optional, is none the less welcome for the discreet contrast in colour and texture which it affords. The remaining two sonatas come from a set of six published in Paris in 1737 under the title Il pastor fido and purporting to be Vivaldi's Op. 13. Doubts concerning its authenticity have been expressed for a long time but only in 1989 did a French musicologist, Philippe Lescat discover the true identity of the composer—Nicolas Chedeville (1705–82), court oboist and one time member of the Paris Opera orchestra. The music, though slight, is charming and Goodwin has chosen what are perhaps the two most engaging sonatas from the set. One in A major (RV59) has a delightful ''Pastorale'' third movement and a spirited finale. The other, in G minor (RV58), has as its conclusion an adaptation of the opening movement of a Vivaldi violin concerto in the same key (Op. 4 No. 6).
In short, this is a delightful programme, stylishly performed and with an infectiously light-hearted touch. Recorded sound is excellent and I can imagine few readers will be other than entertained by music-making of this order. Goodwin himself adorns the front cover. You can't miss him in his bright red jacket and casually donned velvet cap.'