The Palladian Ensemble started out life in the early ‘90s as a vibrant quartet with an unusual combination of instruments—violin, recorder, cello, and theorbo. They made recordings from the get-go that have achieved nothing but acclaim on the Linn record label. Now known as the Palladians, the group’s most recent recording focused on select violin sonatas by Giuseppe Tartini. As you might expect, the violin-playing by Rodolfo Richter is exceptional.

The Palladian Ensemble’s debut recording entitled An Excess of Pleasure is arguably one of their finest. Among the program’s offerings are several pieces by Nicola Matteis, all beautifully performed in the spirited and poetic manner that the original quartet was famous for.