Les Saisons Amusantes

In 1739, Nicolas Chédeville, who had already made a name for himself as an adapter of several contemporary works, created a version of "The Four Seasons" including instruments such as the hurdy-gurdy and the musette which were extremely popular in Versailles at that time. The result was a pure divertissement of rural character, unusual instrumental solutions and solo parts for the hurdy-gurdy, violin and flute which demanded considerable technical ability and a great deal of imagination.

For the recording on hand the well known hurdy-gurdy player Matthias Loibner could be won who dedicated his work to this instrument since 1990. He is accompanied by baroque violin player Enrico Casazza, recorder player Chiara de Ziller and the Italian ensemble Les Eclaires de Musique, who are especially known for their outstanding baroque interpretations.

Enjoy this today rather seldom interpreted and seldom heard repertoire which was recorded with 24 bit / 96 kHz and is now presented on a beautiful Hybrid SACD.

The press reported about the CD release:

"A delicious novelty ... It's great fun, and the players of Les Eclairs de Musique clearly have a good time ... The sonics are gorgeous: warmly natural and perfectly in balance, with a certain mellow atmosphere that ideally suits these arrangements" classicstoday.com

"Excellent record. The sound homogeneity, the technical perfection as well as the splendid dialogues of Les Éclairs de Musique are admirable. From the beginning to the end, the balance is maintained, the phrases accurately driven, the sound generous" Répertoire

"The optimum level of spirited interpretation" MUSICA

"Forget everything you thought about the Four Seasons, because with this CD, you'll be able to discover a completely new Vivaldi! ... Extravagant sound effects, breathtaking sound combinations ... you'll be thrilled by that sprinkling vivacity" klassik.com