Three of the flute concertos on this recording have titles which direct the listener‘s fantasy in distinct directions. The principle motives of the concerto «La tempesta di mare» [the Sea Storm] were inspired by the image of the motion of the roaring seas, without, however, leading to any changes in the formal concerto structure.

The concerto «La notte» (Night), in particular, the slow middle movement, «Il sonno» (Sleep), is unusual for its expressive harmonies and unbroken series of dissonant chords. The first Allegro movement bears the title «I fantasmi» (The Phantoms). The third concerto quite appropriately has the name of a bird as its title: «Il gardellino» (The Goldfinch). The flute imitates the goldfinch‘s chirping and twittering with trills and ornaments which are supported by the strings.

Of the other concertos on this recording without titles, two (in A minor and G major) were written for the transverse flute, and the third (in C minor), was originally intended for the recorder (flauto dolce). These works are typical for Vivaldi‘s inexhaustible fantasy, continually creating new and attractive forms and sonorities from a limited set of formulas.

The name of Peter-Lukas Graf is synonymous for many with exquisite flute music, and he is likewise well-known as a conductor and pedagogue. He has made more than 30 recordings for Claves. The Württemberg Heilbronn Chamber Orchestra, founded by conductor Jörg Faerber, celebrated its 35th anniversary in 1996.