Suits or Setts of Lessons

There is very little known about the English composer Richard Jones, a contemporary of Händel. The violinist became concertmaster of the important Royal Theatre of Drury Lane in 1730. He wrote various works for the stage, of which unfortunately only fragments have survived. His Six Suites for keyboard instruments from 1732 (followed ten years later by Six Suites for violin and continuo) are, however, a fascinating testimony to his skills. These charming works make use of various styles and reminiscences of national characters, and they are extremely original in their unusual arrangement of the dances.