This programme explores Italian keyboard music of the sixteenth century. As Richard Lester explains in his extended liner notes, his own study of contemporary performance treatise, particularly that of Diruta, for correct period fingering, ornamentation and registration for these works, informs his performances of these pieces and expresses their unique character.

Richard Lester's distinguished musical career has spanned almost five decades. His landmark recordings of the complete sonatas of Domenico Scarlatti were described in the Penguin Guide to Recorded Classical Music as ‘a really exceptional issue on every count.’ Besides these recordings, his comprehensive discography includes works by Seixas, Soler, Haydn and Mozart, played on original instruments and a five volume set of Frescobaldi’s keyboard music. His solo concert schedule included broadcasts for BBC Radio and Television, harpsichord recitals at the Royal Festival Hall South Bank Centre, Wigmore Hall, Bath International Festival, Bruges Festival and master classes at Dartington Summer School.

A 90-page score has also been compiled and edited by Richard Lester (NMP1015) which includes this CD and a DVD video where Richard demonstrates the techniques for accurate and correct performance of these works.