Cello Concertos In C RV400 • C Minor RV401 • B Minor RV424 / Concerto In G Minor For Two Cellos RV531 / Concerto In C For Violin And Two Cellos RV561

Released by EMI in 1982 under the catalog number ASD 3914, this recording features the distinguished French cellist Paul Tortelier performing several of Antonio Vivaldi's concertos for the cello. The album serves as a testament to Tortelier’s commitment to the baroque repertoire, showcasing his refined technical approach alongside the London Mozart Players. Conducted by Philip Ledger, the ensemble provides a balanced, historically informed accompaniment that reflects the period-appropriate aesthetic sensibilities popular in early 1980s classical music production.

The album is noted for the collaborative inclusion of Maud Tortelier and Jacques-Francis Manzone, highlighting the chamber-like intimacy of Vivaldi’s double and triple concertos. EMI’s production values for the ASD series were highly regarded during this era, aiming for a warm, clear soundstage that captured the nuances of the cello’s lower register. Upon its release, the record was well-received by critics for its elegance and the cohesive rapport between the soloists and the chamber orchestra, establishing it as a respected entry in the catalog of Vivaldi’s concertante works.