From the start of her career, violinist
Nicola Benedetti has shown strong interest in playing a variety of works, from big Romantic blockbusters, such as concertos by
Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky and Max Bruch, to compositions by
Ralph Vaughan Williams,
Karol Szymanowski,
John Tavener, and
James MacMillan. Judging from these choices, one might expect her to stick with the 19th and 20th century repertoire, yet for
Italia, her 2011 Decca release, she has made a surprising leap back in time to the Baroque era of
Antonio Vivaldi, Giuseppe Tartini, and Francesco Veracini. Accompanied by the
Scottish Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of
Christian Curnyn,
Benedetti plays with brilliant virtuosity, absolute clarity, and a gentle, dolce tone that makes her performances especially personal and attractive. The minimal vibrato in
Benedetti's playing gives it an authentic sheen, which is complemented by the ensemble's period sound in the concertos, as well as by the scintillating continuo part in the sonatas. Two of
Vivaldi's vocal works in violin arrangements are included, "Vedrò con mio diletto" from Il Giustino, and the solo motet, Nulla in mundo pax sincera, both of which
Benedetti offers with affecting sincerity and charm. Add to the exceptionally stylish playing the resonant performance space, and Decca's flawless reproduction, which captures the performances with full luster, and this album will be regarded as one of
Benedetti's most appealing and popular.