Vivaldi: La Dolce Stravaganza – Thomas Triesschijn

La Dolce Stravaganza reimagines Antonio Vivaldi’s celebrated violin concertos through the expressive voices of the recorder family. Recorder virtuoso Thomas Triesschijn breathes new life into these masterpieces with a series of elegant transcriptions, showcasing not only the familiar alto recorder but also rarely heard historical instruments such as the voice flute, sixth flute, third flute, and E-flat alto recorder. The result is a richly coloured musical journey that expands the recorder’s repertoire while revealing new dimensions of Vivaldi’s melodic brilliance and theatrical imagination.

Performed with the vibrant period ensemble The Counterpoints, this recording captures the irresistible contrasts at the heart of Vivaldi’s music – from dazzling virtuosity and infectious rhythmic energy to deeply lyrical, aria-like slow movements of remarkable intimacy. Inspired by the musical world of eighteenth-century Venice and Vivaldi’s legacy at the Ospedale della Pietà, La Dolce Stravaganza is both a tribute to Baroque creativity and an invitation to rediscover familiar masterpieces through fresh ears and the uniquely sweet voice of the flauto dolce.