Gramophone Magazine
September 2026
Editor's Choice
Sergio Azzolini (bassoon), L'Onda Armonica
Vivaldi: Bassoon Concerto in B-flat Major, RV 501 "La notte"
Vivaldi: Bassoon Concerto in C Major, RV 478
Vivaldi: Bassoon Concerto in F Major, RV 487
Vivaldi: Bassoon Concerto in C Major, RV 468/399
Vivaldi: Bassoon Concerto in D Minor, RV 482/406
Vivaldi: Bassoon Concerto in C Major, RV 466
Vivaldi: Bassoon Concerto in C Minor, RV 402 (transcr. from Cello Concerto)
This milestone release marks Volume 76 of naïve’s monumental Vivaldi Edition, bringing to completion the complete recording of all 39 bassoon concertos composed by the Red Priest. Renowned Italian bassoonist Sergio Azzolini, alongside his ensemble L'Onda Armonica, presents the final six concertos, including the four unrecorded complete works (highlighted by the famous La notte, RV 501) and two incomplete works reconstructed with movements adapted from Vivaldi's cello concertos in matching keys.
To celebrate the culmination of this extraordinary cycle, Azzolini calls upon an expanded orchestral palette featuring oboes, flutes, chalumeaux, clarinets, and horns in the grand Dresden Chapel tradition. The resulting performances showcase breathtaking virtuosity, expressive nuance, and an inventive variety of instrumental textures that bring Vivaldi's rich bassoon repertoire to a triumphant close.
"Azzolini's achievement here is outstanding, even by the high standards of this cycle, which now stands head and shoulders above the competition as the prime recommendation for this ever-inventive music." — Gramophone Magazine, September 2026
