Concerto Italiano, Rinaldo Alessandrini - Vivaldi Concerti per archi (2004)

The is a Baroque music group consisting of both a vocal and orchestral ensemble. For the first decade of its existence it was a vocal group only, known for performances of madrigals, and operas and oratorios by , , and other Baroque composers. After the orchestral arm of was founded, the ensemble began taking particular interest in the instrumental and operatic works of . In the new century, in fact, has been engaged in a massive project with the label Naïve to record all the operas and concertos of . [...] The was founded in 1984 by harpsichordist . The group gave its debut concert in Rome in 1984 in a performance of 's opera , under the direction of , who has served as the group's music director since its founding. For its first decade the group gradually built up a reputation in Europe as one of Italy's finest Baroque vocal ensembles. It drew broad international notice for a recording of 's , which received a 1994 Gramophone award, the first of four. The following year formed the orchestral ensemble. In 1997 the vocal ensemble debuted in Japan, drawing lavish reviews. The orchestral ensemble drew equally enthusiastic response for its American debut in 1999 at Lincoln Center. That tour also included concerts in South America, Japan, and parts of Europe. In 2000 the group drew acclaim for its performances at the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall. The ensemble received three additional Gramophone awards in 1998, 2002, and 2004, respectively, the first for a CD of 's , the next for a disc of madrigals, and the final for a collection, , all issued on Naïve/Opus 111. Among the later recordings is the 2009 Naïve disc of arias with singers and .