In the June 2025 issue of The Strad, Federico Guglielmo’s interpretation of five of Vivaldi’s violin concertos, specially composed for the composer’s pupil Pisendel, is praised for its blend of affection and virtuosity. Guglielmo delivers performances marked by vitality and technical prowess, particularly excelling in the outer movements. He embraces the demanding bariolage passages in the first movement of RV237, a figure partially inspired by Westhoff’s sonata, and handles the varied bow techniques and challenging high-register flourishes in the finale of RV205 with notable precision. His rapid pedal flourishes and unaccompanied cadenzas, including an original cadenza for RV205’s finale, further showcase his remarkable skill.
While his expressive chromatic ‘note-bending’ may at times feel somewhat exaggerated, especially in the opening movement of RV314, Guglielmo’s overall interpretations are insightful and warmly communicative. The slow movements stand out for their careful shaping, rich sonority, and emotional depth. He conveys the gentle rhythm of RV340’s Siciliana with delicate sensitivity and demonstrates a natural flair for ornamentation, particularly in RV314 and the light, treble-focused texture of RV205.
The ensemble L’Arte dell’Arco complements Guglielmo’s playing with its lean instrumentation, delivering attentive accompaniments that enhance the music’s character. The contributions of theorbo, harpsichord, and chamber organ add colorful textures and often propel the music forward, notably in the lively opening movement of RV237. The recording itself is well balanced, striking an ideal blend of clarity and warmth, although its relatively brief duration of 51 minutes may leave listeners wanting more.
