CXLV. VIVALDI, Antonio: Concerto in F Major for Flute and Strings, Op. 10, No. 5

CXLV. VIVALDI, Antonio (1678-1741)

Concerto for Flute and Strings, Op. 10, No. 5 (1728)
1. Allegro ma non tanto (3:42)
2. Largo e cantabile (3:17)
3. Allegro (1:52)
Patrick Gallois, flute
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

First Movement

Nothing too complex here -- just tonic, dominant, with an occasional subdominant!

Yet, what joy such simplicity elicits! Just look at the writing for strings -- the Seconds playing a third above the Firsts, and the violas moving in contrary motion, forming a I-V-I with those three eighth-notes.

Second Movement

In the relative minor (F), this largo cantabile does indeed sing. Vivaldi's harmonic language here is richer and more varied ...

Third Movement

Again, Vivaldi showcases his crystalline use of simple triads accompanied by a continuo-style cello part to spin out such delightful melodies. It is all nicely developed and recapitulated.

Gallois and Orpheus are superb.