Record Reviews

JIRI STIVIN / VIRTUOSI DI PRAGA ~ ANTONIO VIVALDI – RECORDER CONCERTOS GALEN 25 265 (Barcode: 8594042902955) ~ CZECH REPUBLIC ~ Classical Music Recorded: 1987 - 1989 Released: 2025 This is a reissue of a delightful album by Czech flautist / saxophonist / composer / bandleader Jiri StivinFind albums by this artist, recorded with the famous chamber orchestra Virtuosi di PragaFind albums by this artist, which presents six recorder Concertos (three for the sopranino recorder and three for the alto recorder) by Antonio VivaldiFind albums by this artist. Although primary renowned for his activity within the Jazz genre, Stivin studied and recorded Classical Music, mostly involving the flute, of which he is a true virtuoso. Since each of the concertos has the required three movements, the album presents eighteen tracks. These concertos are relatively rarely recorded, since they require highly skilled performers and therefore presented a considerable challenge. Stivin handles this task with obvious expertise and a pinch of humor, which make the music even more charming. Although late Baroque music (early 18th Century) often requires patience, Vivaldi’s charm is simply overwhelming and this music is a true delight from start to finish. Overall, this is a superb example of Stivin’s versatility as a musician and his undeniable virtuosity as a flautist. It is great to see this album reissued, and as usual thanks are due to the great Galen label for bringing the Czech recorded treasures back to life! Side Note The Czech publishing house and record label GalenFind albums on this label, run by Lubomir HoudekFind albums by this artist, is another player on the local scene, reissuing historical recordings from the deep vaults of the SupraphonFind albums on this label / PantonFind albums on this label labels, supported by the Czech Ministry of Culture. This commendable initiative is a wonderful example of the preservation of Cultural heritage. Hopefully the label's future releases will include information in English in the album's booklets, so that Jazz enthusiasts around the world might be allowed to share the knowledge. For more reissues of Czechoslovak Jazz (and Rock) see also the releases by Indies Happy TrailsFind albums on this label Records.

Updated: 19/03/2026Posted: 19/03/2026

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