Vivaldi's concertos for recorders are works of rare theatricality. One of the plainest, most insignificant-looking and tiniest (in the case of the sopranino recorder) of musical instruments is given unfettered workouts that put it right at the top of the league for sparky, spunky virtuosity. The Swiss recorder player Maurice Steger rings the changes in seven demanding concertos. He uses a range of descant and treble recorders and presents them in a selection of works (RV443, 439, 95, 566, 375, 103, 90) some of which feature other soloists, violins, oboes, bassoon. He even offers one concerto as a wind trio with organ continuo. The brio and élan of the playing are so unfailingly infectious that you may find it hard to listen without a smile on your face. url.ie/55ay