In 2003, whilst researching some anonymous manuscripts in Portugal's National Library (Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal), the present author found an intriguing and incomplete work for 16 voices and basso continuo. The first gathering was missing and, consequently, also the title page where the information relating to the author, title, institution and, sometimes, property is usually recorded. The extant part of the manuscript consists of six sewn gatherings of 25 folios and, apart from some added notes and a few ink stains by a later hand, is in very good condition, partly due to the thickness and excellent quality of the paper. |