Vivaldi: Il Favorito, RV 277 [Huggett, New York Baroque Incorporated]

Vivaldi’s Concerto for violin, strings, and figured bass in E minor, “Il Favorito,” RV 277; performed by New York Baroque Incorporated & Monica Huggett. This performance was recorded on March 23, 2013, at The DiMenna Center for Classical Music in New York, United States.

New York Baroque Incorporated & Monica Huggett perform Antonio Vivaldi’s Concerto for violin, strings, and figured bass in E minor, “Il Favorito,” RV 277

Antonio Vivaldi’s Il Favorito

Vivaldi’s Concerto for Violin, Strings, and Figured Bass in E minor, also known as Il Favorito (RV 277), showcases his talent for dynamic expression and virtuosity. The piece is from of Antonio Vivaldi’s “Six Concertos, Op. 11”, which was presented by the composer to the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI. “Il Favorito” is celebrated for its emotional range, from fiery intensity to delicate lyricism, and stands out for its structured dialogue between the soloist and the orchestra, embodying a sophisticated interplay between elegance and technical flair.

There are 3 movements:

Allegro: The opening movement is energetic and bold, with rapid, virtuosic passages for the violin. The soloist often breaks from the ensemble in elaborate runs and leaps, demonstrating Vivaldi’s trademark dramatic contrasts. The orchestra punctuates these passages with powerful chords, giving the movement a sense of urgency.
Andante: This slower, more lyrical movement offers a poignant contrast to the fiery Allegro. The solo violin weaves a melody with grace and tenderness, underscored by a subtle continuo that enhances its expressive depth. The harmonies feel introspective, allowing the violin’s voice to convey melancholy and beauty.
Allegro: The final movement is lively and rhythmically vibrant, bringing the concerto to a spirited conclusion. The violin part is highly demanding, full of rapid sequences and lively rhythms that engage in a playful exchange with the orchestra. The movement captures Vivaldi’s gift for both technical brilliance and joyful exuberance, leaving a lasting impression.

Performers:

Violin: Monica Huggett, Owen Dalby, Liv Heym, Daniel Lee, Francis Liu, Adriane Post, Beth Wenstrom
Viola: Kyle Miller
Cello: Hannah Collins, Ezra Seltzer
Bass: Wen Yang
Harpsichord: Jeffrey Grossman

New York Baroque Incorporated

New York Baroque Incorporated is an orchestra of young players with no conductor, on period instruments in New York City, bringing vital, informed, and fresh performances of a wide range of 17th and 18th-century repertoire, and creating a vibrant landscape for collaborations between historical performance and living composers. Since its creation, NYBI has received critical praise for its virtuosity, and was lauded by The New York Times for its “do-it-yourself spirit.”

Monica Huggett

Monica Huggett (born 16 May 1953 in London, England) is a British conductor and leading baroque violinist.

At 16, Huggett began her studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London, learning under Manoug Parikian and Kato Havas, with additional baroque violin instruction from Sigiswald Kuijken. She co-founded and led the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra with Ton Koopman from 1980 to 1987. In 1994, Huggett was honored as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music, where she also teaches baroque violin. Her celebrated recordings of Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas (1997) and Biber’s violin sonatas (2002) earned Gramophone Awards.

Vivaldi: Concerto for for violin, strings and figured bass in E minor, Il favorito RV 277 — Accompanied by the New York Baroque Incorporated, Monica Huggett plays Antonio Vivaldi’s Concerto for violin, strings, and figured bass in E minor, “Il favorito,” RV 277.

From 1995 to 2021, Huggett was the Artistic Director of the Portland Baroque Orchestra. She has directed the Hanover Band and guest-directed with prestigious groups like the Arion Baroque Orchestra in Montreal, Tafelmusik in Toronto, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Philharmonia Baroque in San Francisco, Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, and Concerto Copenhagen. Huggett has also collaborated with Christopher Hogwood’s Academy of Ancient Music, Trevor Pinnock, and the English Concert, and toured the US with James Galway.

Currently, Huggett serves as the Artistic Director of the Irish Baroque Orchestra and as guest director of the Seville Baroque Orchestra. She also founded Ensemble Sonnerie and Hausmusik London, a chamber group focused on Romantic music. Huggett’s deep knowledge of baroque music and its cultural history has made her a sought-after educator, with masterclasses in locations such as Banff, Dartington, Vicenza, Dublin, The Hague, Medellin, and the Royal College of Music.

In 2008, Huggett was appointed to direct Juilliard’s graduate program in historical performance, expanding her influence in baroque music education in New York City.