Das Erste Buch der Capricci, Ricercari und Canzoni von 1626

His contemporaries praised Frescobaldi as an organist, improviser, and composer of exceptional talent. His first book of Capricci, Ricercari, and Canzoni, 1626, is presented here in an authentic version. The work was published during the composer’s lifetime and, moreover, without alteration by Vincenti in Venice, 1642. This edition is based on the edition of 1642 as its main source; in doubtful passages, the editors compare with earlier editions. The four parts which Frescobaldi printed in score on four staves have been reduced to two staves, but endeavoring to show the progression of parts as clearly as possible where they cross. Frescobaldi’s very informative Preface, “A gli Studiosi dell’ opera,” is given in full, translated into English and German.