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Vivaldi's Four Seasons in Building a Library with Charlotte Gardner and Andrew McGregor

Andrew McGregor with the best new classical releases, joined by guest reviewers Kirsten Gibson and Charlotte Gardner, who picks her favourite recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons.

Andrew McGregor with the best of the week's new classical releases.

c2.10pm
Early music expert Kirsten Gibson joins Andrew to showcase a batch of releases that have caught her ear.

3pm
Building a Library. Critic Charlotte Gardner surveys recordings of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons and makes a top recommendation.
Published in 1725, the collection of four violin concertos with musical representations of the changing year have become Antonio Vivaldi's best known works. Their vivid nature depictions were groundbreaking - flowing creeks, singing birds, a shepherd and his barking dog, buzzing flies, a dramatic storm, drunken dancers, frozen landscapes, and warm winter fires. It's no wonder every major violinist of the last 80 years has wanted to record them.

Top Choice:
La Serenissima, Adrian Chandler (violin/dir.)
Signum Classics SIGCD886

c3.50pm
Record of the Week. Andrew's top pick of this week's new releases.

17 days left to listen

1 hour, 59 minutes

Last on

Sat 2 May 2026 14:00
麻豆社 Radio 3

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Respighi's ballet "La Boutique Fantasque" in Building a Library with Ben Gernon and Andrew McGregor

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Music Played

  • 脡douard Lalo

    Cello concerto in D minor (1st mvt)

    Performer: Bruno Delepelaire. Orchestra: Berlin Philharmonic. Conductor: Tugan Sokhiev.
    • Haydn - Lalo.
    • Berliner Philharmoniker Recordings.
    • 4.

  • Robert Schumann

    Kinderszenen Op.15 (nos. 5-7)

    Performer: Arcadi Volodos.
    • Sony.

  • Crist贸bal de Morales

    Missa L'homme Arm茅 (Kyrie, Gloria)

    Choir: De Profundis. Conductor: Robert Hollingworth.
    • Coro.

  • Gaspar Sanz

    贰蝉辫补帽辞濒别迟补

    Music Arranger: Cristina Prats Costa. Performer: Cristina Prats Costa.
    • Spiritillo Mediterraneo.
    • Pentatone.
    • 112.

  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Viola da gamba sonata no.3 in G minor BWV.1029 (1st mvt)

    Performer: Margaret Little. Performer: Christophe Gauthier.
    • Atma Classique.

  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Cello sonata in A major Op.69 (3rd mvt)

    Performer: Paul Watkins. Performer: Alessio Bax.
    • BEETHOVEN: The Sonatas for Piano and Cello.
    • Signum Classics.
    • 203.

  • Emmanuel Chabrier

    Joyeuse marche

    Orchestra: Sinfonia of London. Conductor: John Wilson.
    • French Orchestral Favourites.
    • Chandos.
    • 103.

  • Giaches de Wert

    Un bacio solo 脿 tante pene, hai, cruda?

    Ensemble: La Compagnia del Madrigale.
    • Giaches de Wert, Nono libro de madrigali.
    • Glossa.
    • 109.

  • Gustav Mahler

    Symphony No.5 (3rd mvt - ending)

    Orchestra: Vienna Philharmonic. Conductor: Andris Nelsons.
    • Deutsche Grammophon.

  • Charles鈥怣arie Widor

    Flirt (Carnaval Op.61)

    Performer: Daniel Grimwood.
    • Danacord.

  • Record of the Week

    • Arnold Schoenberg

      Verkl盲rte Nacht Op.4 (opening)

      Music Arranger: Henk Guittart. Ensemble: Amsterdam Piano Trio.
      • Hyperion.

Broadcast

  • Sat 2 May 2026 14:00
    麻豆社 Radio 3

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