An Excess of Pleasure marked the Palladian Ensemble’s debut, establishing them as one of the finest period ensembles around. At that point in time the Palladian Ensemble had won the Early Music Centre International Young Artists’ Competition, the South East Arts Young Artists’ Platform and made their Wigmore Hall debut. Together, Rachel Podger, Pamela Thorby, William Carter and Joanna Levine formed a quartet of the highest calibre, confirmed by the solo successes each went on to enjoy in their respective careers.

Winning instant critical acclaim, this recording was awarded a 1993 Diapason d’Or Award and was named a Gramophone ‘Critics’ Choice’. The recording is centred on seventeenth-century English music and the music of the Italians who lived and worked in England or whose pieces were sold and played there at this time. The sheer variety of composers and styles, together with the ability of each player to bring these dancing melodies to life, makes listening to this album full of pleasure, as its title suggests. Originally released in 1993, An Excess of Pleasure is reissued as part of Linn’s ECHO series which offers a second chance to enjoy the best of the label’s award-winning catalogue.

In a career spanning more than fifteen years, the Palladian Ensemble was renowned on the international stage with a reputation synonymous with excellence in baroque performance. Constant critical acclaim, and a reputation for stylish playing full of verve and vitality alongside a warm, spontaneous on-stage manner, led this virtuoso ensemble to give numerous concert performances. The Palladian Ensemble won the prestigious Diapason d'Or Award on five occasions, (1993, 1994, 1998, 1999 and 2000) and has twice had albums named Gramophone ‘Critics’ Choice’. Gramophone also described the Palladian Ensemble as ‘one of the best chamber ensembles currently in business.’

‘Sparkling playing with a sense of uninhibited joy... breathtaking.’ BBC Music Magazine (5 stars)

‘This is playing of a high order in terms of both technique and imaginative power.’ Gramophone