Based on previously unpublished documents, Frank D'Accone sets the background for the musical efflorescence that occurred in Florence in the later 15th century and the emergence in the early 16th century of a new Florentine school of composers. Tracing the origins and development of musical chapels at the Cathedral and Baptistery, and the growth of musical establishments at several other churches such as the Santissima Annunziata, Santa Trinita and San Lorenzo, D'Accone examines the effect of Medici patronage, on the one hand, and the impact of Savonarola, on the other, and at the careers of individual composers such as Heinrich Isaac.

This acclaimed edition is making available authentic versions of the works of a key figure in the history of opera.

"Gli equivoci nel sembiante" (1679), Scarlatti's first opera, is a comedy of mistaken identities and amorous intrigues in the pastoral mode. It was one of the most popular and widely performed works of the composer's long career. A small cast and simple scenic requirements make it an ideal work for performances today.

In preparing the score presented here, Frank A. D'Accone compared the six extant manuscripts. His introduction sketches the opera's history and discusses performance practice. A translation of the libretto is appended.

Donald Jay Grout is Given Foundation Professor of Musicology Emeritus, Cornell University Frank A. D'Accone is Professor of Music, University of California, Los Angeles.

Scarlatti operas already published: "Eraclea, Marco Attilio Regolo, Griselda, The Faithful Princess, Massimo Puppieno, and La Caduta de' Decemviri."

This second selection of studies by Frank D'Accone, again based principally on the documentary evidence, follows the development through the mid 16th century of musical chapels at the Cathedral and the Baptistery of Florence and of musical establishments at the Santissima Annunziata and San Lorenzo. The lives, careers and works of composers associated with these churches are illustrated and their works analyzed, particularly the theoretical treatise by Fra Mauro, the madrigals of Mauro Matti and the ambitiously conceived canzone cycle of Mattia Rampollini. The final studies, moving into the 17th century, look at the music for Holy Week, and the unprecedented programme of performances at Santa Maria Novella.