Girolamo Frescobaldi was born in Ferrara in 1583, where he studied with the cathedral organist. His most influential music lies within the technically advanced keyboard works such as those represented here. The Fantasie, Ricercari and Canzoni Francesi were composed relatively early in his career, and he described the Ricercari as ‘the first little part of my creative talent’. A master of counterpoint, Frescobaldi would broadly state his opening themes and then progressively make them quicker both rhythmically and melodically. The result was music that has stood the test of time.