Palladian Ensemble: An Excess Of Pleasure

Pamela Thorby, recorder; Rachel Podger, violin; Rodolfo Richter, violin; Susanne Heinrich, viola da gamba; Joanna Levine, viola da gamba; William Carter, archlute & baroque guitar

“The Venice Collection: An Excess of Pleasure / The Winged Lion” brings together the music of 17th century Venice and the albums that launched the Palladian Ensemble onto the international music scene. “An Excess of Pleasure” was awarded Gramophone "Editor's Choice" and both albums were awarded the Diapason d’Or. An essential series of early music from Venice, Leipzig, Versailles and London, played to perfection by topclass musicians, presented in stylish, glossy digipacks at a special price. The Palladian Ensemble (originally Rachel Podger, Pamela Thorby, Joanna Levine and William Carter) was a double-award winning group even before they released their first album, and made their Wigmore Hall debut in 1993. Gamba player Susanne Heinrich and the prize-winning violinist Rodolfo Richter replaced Joanna Levine and Rachel Podger, but the Palladian Ensemble continued to tour extensively internationally enjoying consistent popularity with audiences and critics. The Palladian Ensemble were five times winners of the prestigious Diapason d'Or Award, (1993, 1994, 1998, 1999 and 2000) and twice had albums named Gramophone "Editor's Choice".