Max Richter Recomposes Vivaldi - Four Seasons: Blasphemy?

[amirm]

I am a fan of Max Richter and have a bunch of his albums. Recently I ran into his "recomposition" of one of my favorite classical pieces, Vivaldi's Four Seasons. I am not that much into classical music but have multiple versions of Four Seasons and always enjoy listening to them. This recomposition to me is a winner. It sounds both familiar at times, and fresh/new but still connected to the same theme. I am wondering however if those of you who are die hard classical fans, appreciate this or think it screws up a masterpiece. Here three representative tracks that are good to listen to before passing judgment:

This one has the least departure from the original:

 

[NorthStar]

I just listened to those three pieces (in their entirety) Amir.

* For me, I much prefer the real deal. ...They are decent interpretations, but not my bag; too 'electronica' for my own taste, not relaxing, too stressing.
- This is my honest and personal opinion.

 

[NorthStar]

 

[ack]

I guess the economy is still bad. Reminded me of those unnecessary AC/DC reunions of late. Either that or Vivaldi was no genius.

 

[rbbert]

This is also available in hi-res download from DG. It's different and will never replace "classical" interpretations, but it's not meant to; very enjoyable to me if I want something a little genre bending.