“Art of the Mandolin” is a celebration of the mandolin and its diverse repertoire, offering a guided tour of the instrument’s rich history and a star performer’s personal selection of some of its greatest compositions. However, as Avi Avital comments: “This is not an introduction to the mandolin. It’s the essence of the mandolin.” Avital, who has commissioned and premiered many new mandolin works himself, was keen to focus here on music composed specifically for his instrument and, in the process, showcase its versatility. He was joined for the recording by the Venice Baroque Orchestra, harpist Anneleen Lenaerts, guitarist Sean Shibe, harpsichordist Yizhar Karshon, and theorbo player Ophira Zakai.