Francesco Maria Veracini was born in Florence in 1690; a member of a notable violin-playing family (he was the nephew and pupil of Antonio Veracini) his virtuosity made a great impression on Giuseppe Tartini when he heard him play in 1712 at St. Mark�s, Venice. With a reputation for arrogance and eccentricity verging on madness as well as his exceptional virtuosity are reflected in his fine violin sonatas, which are full of idiomatic special effects. He is said to have died an extremely wealthy man.

This series of arrangements for string quartet is aimed at string quartets� that are building a repertoire of incidental popular classics and �easy listening� music for social functions of every kind. In preparation also at the time of writing is a collection of the most popular hymns taken from the English Hymnal for string quartet with optional chamber organ. From time to time I shall add further pieces thus building the availability of music that is well known to the general public. String quartets should contact me if they have any particular requests, but here I must stress that strict copyright restrictions may apply for certain commissions.