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 'the first little part of my creative talent'.