Il Giardino Armonico Essentials

This group captures the vibrant style of Italy's past classical music. Playing exclusively with period instruments, they take you back in time and allow you to experience the spirited masterworks of 18th-century Venice. In addition to Armonico's brisk engagement with instrumental works by the likes of Vivaldi and others, they have also proven ideal collaborators for mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli—another virtuoso with a hugely entertaining technique, full of ornamentation. With impressive accuracy, even in passages of great abandon, they are a highlight of the contemporary recital scene.