There are some concerts which leave you overwhelmed with a wave of optimism for chamber music as an art form: the musicians push you to the edge of your seat and evoke an emotional response that can scarcely be articulated, and the cumulative result leaves you feeling profoundly enriched. Regrettably, this was not one of those. The Australian debut of La Gaia Scienza – who seldom perform outside Italy – appeared to be one of the most enticing concerts on offer amid a stellar lineup for the 2017 Adelaide Festival. But, contrary to expectations, the obscure Italian period ensemble failed to captivate in a performance marred by tuning issues, wrong notes and a lack of verve.

La Gaia Scienza formed in 1981 in Como, Italy, and currently consists of violinist Stefano Barneschi, cellist Paolo Beschi, violist Ernest Braucher, and pianist Federica Valli. An ensemble best known for their recordings of Schubert and Brahms back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, they perform chamber music on the instruments it was written for – usually a fortepiano, and a violin, viola and cello with gut strings. You have to admire the resolve of any chamber ensemble that remains steadfastly committed to...