Francesco Maria Veracini, born into a famous family of Italian musicians in 1690, was to become one the most important Italian composers in the early 18^th century. An incredibly gifted violin virtuoso, his considerable catalogue included brilliant concertos to demonstrate his outstanding technique, Veracini believing other music was not capable of extending his skills. Branded an eccentric, Veracini's music is often characterised by the unexpected, though his concertos were obviously influenced by Vivaldi and Corelli. His orchestral output includes a series of six Overtures, whose four-movement format later became the symphony.