Gaspare Spontini's (1774-1851) “commedia per musica” was found at an antiquarian book dealer's in England in 2006 and performed for the first time since 1800 at the Festival Pergolesi e Spontini in Jesi, Italy. With its motoric ensembles, rhythmic repetitions, and play with word fragments, La fuga in maschera anticipates Rossini at his best. In the pit, Corrado Rovaris and I Virtuosi Italiani play with immense verve and joy. Known for their historically informed performances, the ensemble is considered as “one of the most dynamic ensembles in the international musical world” (Milano Finanza).