The first mandolinist to be signed to Deutsche Grammophon, Avi Avital is an inspiring advocate for the mandolin as a solo concert instrument. His recordings for DG include transcriptions of Baroque and classical repertoire, folk music and original works, many of which have been written specially for him. In this recording, the Israeli musician collaborates with the Venice Baroque Orchestra in a sparkling program of Vivaldi, including his delightful Mandolin Concerto in C Major, a handful of transcriptions of other concertos, and a trio sonata (featuring harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani). And as a showcase for both his technical prowess and the versatility of the mandolin, Avital gives a thrilling and unexpected performance of one of Vivaldi’s best-known violin concertos: “Summer” from The Four Seasons.