Monteverdi: Teatro D'amore

2009 release from the vocal and instrumental group L'Arpeggiata, led by harpist and lutenist extraordinaire Christina Pluhar. The group creates an intoxicating blend of early music and jazz, creating a sort of "baroque jam session" built on technical expertise, rich textural explorations, and daring improvisations. This album explores the music of Claudio Monteverdi, both instrumental pieces and arias. The vocal works feature the brilliant vocal talents of countertenor Philippe Jaroussky and soprano N£ria Rial, who come together for the final duet from L'Incoronazione di Poppea -- one of the most beautiful and sensuous love scenes in all of opera.