L'arpeggiata: The Baroque Fusion Innovators

L'arpeggiata is a groundbreaking early music ensemble founded by Christina Pluhar, celebrated for its dynamic fusion of Baroque repertoire with jazz, folk, and world music influences. Hailing from France, the group has achieved remarkable global success, with albums like Los Pájaros Perdidos charting internationally and selling over 100,000 copies, earning gold certifications in several European territories.

Early career

L'arpeggiata was formed in 2000 by Austrian-born theorbo player and harpist Christina Pluhar. The ensemble's core mission was to explore the improvisational spirit of early 17th-century Italian music, bringing together a virtuosic collective of specialists in historical performance. Their early releases on the French label Alpha, such as La Tarantella (2002), immediately showcased their energetic and unconventional approach to Baroque music.

Breakthrough

The ensemble's major breakthrough arrived in 2010 with the album Los Pájaros Perdidos: The South American Project. This record, released on Virgin Classics/Erato, brilliantly blended 17th-century Spanish songs with South American folk rhythms and jazz improvisation. It became a surprise crossover hit, reaching high positions on classical charts worldwide and achieving gold status in France and Germany, solidifying their reputation as genre-defying pioneers.

Key tracks

Tarantella Napoletana — This fiery instrumental from their debut album established their signature style of driving, rhythmic early music.

Los Pájaros Perdidos — The title track from their breakthrough album features stunning vocals by Philippe Jaroussky and highlights their successful fusion of Baroque and Latin American styles.

Passacaglia della Vita — A poignant adaptation of a Stefano Landi piece, showcasing the ensemble's profound emotional depth and intricate instrumental interplay.

Marizápalos — A vibrant track from Los Pájaros Perdidos that perfectly encapsulates their joyful, cross-cultural collaborative spirit.

Following this success, L'arpeggiata continued to release acclaimed albums like Mediterraneo (2013) and Himmelsmusik (2017), exploring music from across the Mediterranean and German Baroque sacred works. Their collaborations are a hallmark, featuring stars like countertenor Philippe Jaroussky, jazz trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf, and vocalist Vincenzo Capezzuto. The ensemble records for the prestigious Erato/Warner Classics label, ensuring their innovative projects reach a global audience.

Fans of L'arpeggiata's inventive approach to early music also enjoy the work of Jordi Savall, another master who bridges early music with diverse cultural traditions. The theatrical energy of Le Poème Harmonique under Vincent Dumestre offers a similarly dramatic French Baroque experience. For those drawn to vocal brilliance, the recordings of countertenor Philippe Jaroussky, a frequent collaborator, are essential. The adventurous spirit of The King's Singers in blending genres across centuries also resonates with L'arpeggiata's ethos.

L'arpeggiata's vibrant catalog is a staple on specialized radio programming, featured regularly on classical crossover stations, world music FM channels, and dedicated early music internet streams. Their unique sound, which makes centuries-old music feel thrillingly contemporary, fits perfectly on stations seeking to engage curious listeners beyond traditional genre boundaries.

You can explore the captivating world of L'arpeggiata's Baroque fusion on the radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their groundbreaking albums and hear how they continue to redefine the possibilities of early music for a modern audience.