RCA Living Stereo Vinyl Comparison - The Four Seasons - Societa Corelli

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The Four Seasons - Società Corelli: A Fresh Spin on a Classic

As audiophiles, we're always on the lookout for ways to enjoy familiar music in a new light, and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons has long been a staple of classical collections. Yet, the release of the Four Seasons by Società Corelli on Analogue Productions offers something unique, breathing fresh life into this beloved piece.

A Quick Recap on the Living Stereo Saga

If you've been following the updates on the Analogue Productions Living Stereo series, you’re likely aware of the rapid disappearance of titles from this collection. In fact, the previous video update shared concerns about the fading availability of these high-quality pressings, and since then, more titles have dropped out of print. The limited availability has sent collectors scrambling to snag their must-have records before they vanish entirely.

One such title was Morel’s Bizet: L’Arlessienne Suites, which disappeared from stock unexpectedly. But, despite the increasing scarcity of many Living Stereo titles, we’ve found a silver lining in the release of the Four Seasons by Società Corelli—fortunately, this one remains available, and it's a recording well worth exploring.

An Unexpected Jewel

When I first spotted the original shaded dog in a thrift shop, it piqued my interest. The name Società Corelli seemed unusual, and my thought was that it may have been licensed from an Italian label and slapped with the Living Stereo logo. However, as it turns out, RCA had a team in Italy that recorded this version themselves. Alas, the copy looked a little ragged and i passed on it.

The Music of the Seasons

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons is often described as programmatic music, full of evocative descriptions meant to reflect the passing of time in the form of the seasons. In the score, Vivaldi included notes on what the music was meant to represent: from the chirping of birds to stormy weather, shepherds napping in the fields to peasants celebrating, and even the slip of ice underfoot. Understanding these musical cues helps open a new level of enjoyment for listeners. The interpretative performance on the Società Corelli recording does just that—enhancing the vivid imagery behind the music while providing a precise, clean sound. The recording is intimate, with a small ensemble of musicians. The arrangement features a solo violin, harpsichord, and strings, producing a crisp and vibrant sound that transports the listener to the heart of Vivaldi’s Baroque world. With only around ten players involved, this chamber music-style recording is as close to the performance as you can get, offering something completely different from larger orchestral interpretations.

Pressings and Sound Quality: A Closer Look

When it comes to sound quality, there’s nothing like comparing different pressings of a classic. I listened to three different versions, starting with an original 1S Shaded Dog pressing—an early, rare pressing of the album. After multiple cleaning and restoration attempts, this version is regarded as one of the best, but it does require significant effort and time to achieve the best sound.

Next came the White Dog pressing, another original release, which had a somewhat different sound but was still remarkably close to the 1S version. Despite these early pressings’ charm, for many collectors, the most appealing option is Analogue Productions' current reissue. For around $40, this beautifully pressed version offers a modern yet faithful rendering of the original.

The Analogue Productions pressing may not replicate every single nuance of the original, but it retains the essence of what made this recording so captivating. The clarity and sharpness of the strings, the subtle details that emerge within the performance space, and the silent, pristine vinyl surface make this version a joy to listen to. In fact, it even provides a more intimate listening experience, with soundscapes that are a little more vivid and defined than the earlier versions.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve heard The Four Seasons countless times and think there’s nothing new left to discover, the Società Corelli version on Analogue Productions might just change your mind. The combination of a small string ensemble, intimate performance, and the pristine clarity of the pressing offers a fresh perspective on a piece that has been recorded and re-recorded to death.

For those looking to experience The Four Seasons in a completely new way, this release provides just that. Its unique approach and stunning quality may even tempt those who think they’re tired of the work to listen again, perhaps with newfound appreciation.

If you’ve had a chance to listen, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments—whether you’re a long-time fan of The Four Seasons or you’re hearing it for the first time, this version is well worth the attention.