In 1952, 12 young and promising Italian musicians, mainly Roman and mostly graduates of the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome, got together 'inter pares' to create a unique chamber orchestra comprising six violas, two cellos, one double bass and one harpsichord. At present days, I Musici are regular guests at the most important international festivals and they carry out an intense concert activity in prestigious theatres and concert halls. On "Serenata Italiana" I Musici take you on a journey of the Italian serenade, with music by Rossini, Respighi, Bossi, and film composer Nino Rota. Featuring string playing that is both pulsing with energy and delicately sweet, this programme will leave you exhilarated.

I Musici perform Vivaldi's Le Quattro Stagioni from "L'estro armonico", Op. 3. Recorded April 29 - May 6, 1959, Wien [1-12]; September 24 - October 2, 1962, Switzerland [13-15, 19-21]; and June 10-14, 1962, Netherlands [16-18]…