With the publication of L’Estro Armonico, Op. 3 (1711) and La Stravaganza Op.4 (1716), Antonio Vivaldi made his mark on European music as one of the most creative minds of the early 18th century. The manuscript containing transcriptions from these sources is preserved at the Manchester Central Library and is entitled “Collection of harpsichord solos and songs – Ann Dawson’s book”.

In addition to 12 concertos by Vivaldi, it contains sonatas, suites, toccatas and arias for high voice and continuo by various authors (not all identified) for a total of 41 compositions. The collection was probably compiled during the first two decades of the 18th century. Nothing is known about the compiler or compilers, nor is anything known about the mysterious Ann Dawson who, judging from the technical and expressive level required by the compositions, was most likely a player with more than modest capabilities.

Enrico Baiano is cofounder of the Italian ensemble Cappella della Pietà dei Turchini, with whom he played and recorded from 1986 to 2000. His solo recordings for Symphonia (the present recording was formerly available from the Italian label) have won him several international prizes, such as Deutsche Schallplattenpreis, Diapason d’Or and Choc de la Musique. He is professor of harpsichord, clavichord and fortepiano at the Conservatorio Domenico Cimarosa in Avellino.

Harpsichord, François-Étienne Blanchet, 1733, copy by Olivier Fadini.

Recording date: 2000 (formerly available from Symphonia)