I Giardini is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1985 by the Italian violinist and conductor, Giovanni Antonini. The ensemble is known for its performances of Baroque and Classical music, and has gained a reputation for its historically informed approach to music-making. The founding of I Giardini was the result of Antonini's desire to create an ensemble that would explore the music of the Baroque and Classical periods in a way that was faithful to the original intentions of the composers. Antonini had already established himself as a leading figure in the early music movement, having worked with such ensembles as Il Giardino Armonico and La Serenissima. With I Giardini, he sought to create a group that would be dedicated to the performance of music from the 17th and 18th centuries, using period instruments and historical performance practices. The ensemble's name, I Giardini, means "the gardens" in Italian, and is a reference to the idea of a garden as a place of beauty and harmony. This idea is reflected in the ensemble's approach to music-making, which emphasizes the importance of balance, clarity, and elegance. The main members of I Giardini are a group of highly skilled musicians who are dedicated to the ensemble's mission of exploring the music of the Baroque and Classical periods. These musicians include Giovanni Antonini (conductor and violin), Stefano Barneschi (violin), Marco Bianchi (violin), Paolo Beschi (cello), Luca Pianca (lute and guitar), and Daniele Caminiti (harpsichord). Over the years, I Giardini has performed at some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals, including the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the BBC Proms. The ensemble has also collaborated with some of the world's leading soloists, including Cecilia Bartoli, Viktoria Mullova, and Isabelle Faust. One of the highlights of I Giardini's career was its performance of Mozart's opera, Don Giovanni, at the Salzburg Festival in 2006. The production, which was directed by Claus Guth, was praised for its innovative staging and the ensemble's lively and engaging performance. The production was later released on DVD, and has become a popular recording of the opera. Another notable performance by I Giardini was its collaboration with the mezzo-soprano, Cecilia Bartoli, on the album, Sacrificium. The album, which was released in 2009, features a selection of Baroque arias that were originally written for castrati. The album was a critical and commercial success, and won several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Performance. In addition to its performances and recordings, I Giardini has also been recognized for its contributions to the field of early music. The ensemble has won several awards, including the Echo Klassik Award, the Diapason d'Or, and the Gramophone Award. These awards are a testament to the ensemble's commitment to excellence and its dedication to the performance of historically informed music. In conclusion, I Giardini is a classical music ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the field of early music. Founded by Giovanni Antonini in 1985, the ensemble has gained a reputation for its historically informed approach to music-making and its engaging and lively performances.

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