Francesco Maria Veracini, born into a famous family of Italian musicians in 1690, was an incredibly gifted violin virtuoso. His compositions include brilliant concertos which demonstrate his outstanding technique. Distinguished throughout Europe and employed for a time at the court in Dresden, he was often branded an eccentric. Veracini’s music is characterised by the unexpected, though his concertos were obviously influenced by the music of Vivaldi and Corelli. His orchestral works include a series of six Overtures.