CD: Vivaldi - Motets, Ciofi/ Europa Galante/ Biondi

Only three of the four works that soprano Patrizia Ciofi sings with energy and style on this disc are motets by Vivaldi, selected from the 20-odd that are extant. The other piece, Laudate Pueri Dominum, is his setting of Psalm 112, in ten brief movements (the motets have four) and one of his earliest-known vocal works, with a prominent role for an obbligato trombone. At least I think it's trombone - there's no mention of the instrument in the sleeve notes, and the Vivaldi work lists I've consulted don't mention the scoring either. That mystery apart this is a wonderfully rewarding disc, beautifully delivered by Ciofi, who is ascending the soprano ranks astonishingly quickly; the accompaniments from Fabio Biondi and his band are smart and attentive too.