Virtuosic chamber music with specified instrumental parts flourished in Italy in the early 1600s, especially in the cities of Venice and Rome, as shown in the dramatic works of Cavalli, Frescobaldi, Picchi, and Riccio. This was echoed later in the century in the Germanic lands to the north, especially in the Habsburg Empire and the Hanseatic League, in the strange and intriguing sonatas of Schmelzer, Fux, Buonamente, and Weckmann. Bridging these northern and southern schools is ARDENZA, a new ensemble passionate about the 17th century. In addition to the delightful, built-in tempo and dynamic contrasts that define this repertoire, the full instrumentation is contrasted with solos and duets featuring all members of the ensemble.

ARDENZA
Emily Hale and Karen Burciaga, violins
Bodie Pfost, sackbut
Allen Hamrick, dulcian
John McKean, organ