There are, however, occasions when the tempi varies from that written in the score, as in the opening of Winter. The tempi choices of all his outer movements push Vivaldi’s markings not quite to their limits, but are certainly on the quick side, while the central movements are slower, but very rhythmically driven.

There is a bounding technical assurance and flawless intonation which radiates throughout.

Not afraid of using vibrato to color his sound, he does so appropriately, notably in the Summer concerto. Li’s tone is bright, rounded, with a silvery quality. The Spring Concerto sets the standard of everything that follows. Li has clearly done his research and follows the markings Vivaldi has put in the score. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, in a slimmed-down size, use modern instruments, which together with Li’s approach bring a real vitality to the work - full of youthful freshness, vigor, energy and a programmatic narrative The bird song is strongly conveyed in Spring, the intense heat and storms in Summer, the rhythmic drive of the dance in Autumn and the biting cold of winter. Christian Li, winner of the Yehudi Menuhin International Competition for Young Violinists, is a very confident musician indeed.

Four seasons violin