In the 1980s violinist Fabio Biondi emerged as a free-thinking and passionate adventurer, one of the first in Italy to board the time machine and re-explore this repertoire. To find a modern way of using the expressive instruments of the 18th century, he had to go back to the drawing board, with his Europa Galante orchestra, founded in 1989.

In 1991, this dazzling interpretation by Europa Galante, the ensemble’s first recording, brought instant recognition, propelling the ‘Red Priest’ into the modern world. Fabio Biondi’s ensemble – featuring harpsichordist Rinaldo Alessandrini, another pioneer of the baroque renaissance with his own Concerto Italiano – gives the impression of overflowing off the concert stage. Vivaldi not only enjoys a second coming, but returns rejuvenated. Diapason d’or, RTL d’or, 10/10 from Répertoire magazine, Gramophone Editor’s Choice