A remarkable flowering period began for Spain around the middle of the 16th century: the kingdom ruled not only vast overseas territories, but also large parts of the Mediterranean world beyond the Iberian Peninsula, most prominently Naples. Economic prosperity opened up new horizons, and cultural diversity became a defining feature of the ensuing so-called Golden Age. In the 17th century, these diverse influences led to an extraordinary flourishing of music, especially in Naples. One particular specialty there was the mandolin - an instrument with a long tradition that now found entirely new forms of expression in combination with the human voice. The style that emerged became so renowned that it continued to inspire music throughout Europe for decades to come. The celebrated soprano and Baroque specialist Nuria Rial and the ensemble Artemandoline bring this fascinating musical world to life with both virtuosity and great sensitivity.