Federico Maria Sardelli, a respected musicologist and conductor known for his extensive recordings of Antonio Vivaldi's compositions, has recently released a complete set of Vivaldi's cantatas for soprano. Published by the label Tactus, this collection brings together previously released recordings from the same label, some of which were also reissued by Brilliant. Sardelli conducted the recordings with the ensemble Modo Antiquo and the same sound engineer, resulting in a consistent and unified design across the set. Among the 18 cantatas included are two recently discovered works (RV 796 and RV 799), while the reasons for excluding four others (RV 649, RV 650, RV 663, and RV 666) remain unclear. Each CD contains six cantatas, each with two arias separated by a recitative, or occasionally introduced by another, forming four movements in total. The recitatives are described as vivid and engaging, while the arias provide opportunities for vocal virtuosity. The cantatas are structured in two main groups: the first three volumes include those written for soprano and basso continuo, while the last volume features cantatas that require a more elaborate instrumental ensemble. Sardelli plays the traverso, a type of baroque flute, when the score calls for it. The continuo, typically played by a cello, a theorbo (a plucked string instrument), and a harpsichord, is noted for its stylistic appropriateness. The cello, played by Bettina Hoffmann, is described as passionate and tender, while the harpsichord is said to be more subdued, often positioned behind the cello and theorbo in the recordings. The orchestra features a rich string section, with remarkable violin solos in certain cantatas, and includes two chitarrones (a type of plucked string instrument), one of which plays the archiluth, a larger and more complex version of the theorbo. The recordings showcase a sensitivity and freshness that are immediately apparent from the first cantata, Amor, hai vinto (RV 651). The vocal performances are supple and fluid, with long, beautifully phrased lines and impressive agility in navigating the demanding vocal ranges. Every movement offers something of interest, and the four CDs can be listened to in succession without becoming monotonous, as the themes, language, and instrumental colors continually evolve. The recordings, now over 30 years old, still sound fresh and relevant, thanks to Sardelli's thoughtful approach and the high-quality sound recording. The set includes all the texts, which are sung in Italian, and detailed notes written by Sardelli, available in both Italian and English, in a substantial 41-page booklet. The booklet is accessible on the publisher's website. Peter Ryom, known for creating the authoritative catalog of Vivaldi's works (RV), entrusted Sardelli with continuing and expanding this catalog. Some of the excluded cantatas were recorded by Roberta Invernizzi for the Nar label in 2021 and featured on two CDs. That same year, Ariana Venditelli released six of the cantatas for the Vivaldi edition with the label Naïve. The new recordings also reference the tripartite structure of a newly composed concerto for a soloist.