Vivaldi: The Four Seasons/I Musici—Esoteric Mastering vinyl reissue [2025]

Seasoned classical listeners may roll their eyes at the prospect of hearing yet another version of The Four Seasons, but this isn’t just any recording of Vivaldi’s evergreen masterwork. Originally released in 1959 by Philips, this performance by the legendary Italian chamber orchestra I Musici with violinist Felix Ayo set a standard that endured for decades—a version long considered legendary by both music lovers and audiophiles.

Although Philips produced a large catalogue of excellent analog recordings throughout the 1960s and 1970s, often featuring many of the era’s greatest artists, the label has never quite captured the audiophile imagination the way EMI, Decca, Mercury, or RCA have. In terms of sonics, Philips could often go toe-to-toe with those giants—but in my experience, Philips collectors tend to be music lovers first, with sound quality as a welcome bonus, rather than the main draw.

There is, however, a notable exception: Philips’ early stereo releases from the late ’50s and early ’60s, marked by the iconic “Hi-Fi Stereo” logo. These recordings hold a special place among vintage hi-fi enthusiasts, and The Four Seasons by I Musici is one of the crown jewels from that period.

This new reissue from Esoteric Mastering sets out to remind us why.

For those unfamiliar, Esoteric is a revered name in high-end audio, best known for its state-of-the-art digital components. Their gear is frequently praised in the audiophile press and holds pride of place in many top-shelf systems.

So why is a company known for digital excellence dipping into the world of vintage analog recordings?

I Musici

In recent years, Esoteric Mastering has been quietly remastering highlights from the Decca catalogue (which includes Philips) using a unique hybrid chain: the best of analog and digital technologies, executed with obsessive precision. The results have drawn increasing praise from in-the-know collectors. Several titles in this series have been favorably reviewed by Anthony Kershaw of Audiophilia, and thanks to Angie Lisi at American Sound of Canada, I finally had a chance to experience one for myself.

This stereo remake of The Four Seasons came four years after I Musici’s groundbreaking mono debut for Philips. It was one of the earliest stereo recordings of the piece and remains, for many, an essential classic.

The last version I had on my turntable was the RCA Living Stereo reissue featuring Società Corelli. That performance is bold, vivid, and angular—with a stripped-down, almost modernist feel. By contrast, the Philips/I Musici version is romantic and elegant, firmly rooted in mid-century Italian style.

It’s worth noting that this recording predates the historically informed performance (HIP) movement by nearly two decades. Here, Felix Ayo’s playing is refined, lyrical, and deeply expressive. His approach is neither flashy nor bombastic—instead, it’s graceful, emotionally resonant, and intimately musical. The ensemble plays modern instruments with gentle vibrato and warmth, emphasizing subtlety over showmanship. While I love the stately elegance of this interpretation, some listeners may prefer the leaner, more urgent textures of the RCA performance or later HIP renditions.

Felix Ayo, solo violin on the recording.

Sonically, this is an outstanding early stereo recording. The presentation is lush and spacious, with a beautifully natural stereo image. Ayo’s violin is clearly defined in the soundstage, and the ensemble behind him wraps around the listener in an enveloping, coherent arc. The strings have excellent clarity and never tip into harshness, while retaining the detail and sparkle needed for Vivaldi’s rhythmic vivacity. The bass is perfectly judged—supportive, never intrusive—and the recording captures a sense of hall ambience that adds to its atmospheric charm.

It’s easy to see why this version of The Four Seasons introduced so many listeners to the work in the stereo era.

Although I didn’t have an original pressing on hand to compare directly, I listened carefully for any signs of digital intrusion. I’m happy to report that this Esoteric remaster stays remarkably true to the spirit of analog, revealing the intricate textures and tonal beauty of the original while preserving its warmth and natural flow. Concerns about digital interference feel increasingly outdated when you hear a mastering job this well executed.

The pressing, as expected from Japan, is dead quiet and flawlessly manufactured. The artwork—which I’ve always admired—is beautifully reproduced with a gold border and the signature Esoteric logo. The elegant fold-over obi adds a collector’s touch.

This is an iconic performance, lovingly restored and reissued with great care. While the $100 price tag may give pause, this Esoteric edition offers one of the finest ways to experience a cornerstone recording of The Four Seasons. For serious collectors and analog classical enthusiasts, it’s an easy recommendation.

[A press copy was provided for this review—Ed]

ESOTERIC