“Reader,
Whether you be dilettante or professor, in these compositions do not expect any profound learning, but rather an ingenious jesting with art, to accommodate you to the mastery of the harpsichord. Neither considerations of interest, nor visions of ambition, but only obedience moved me to publish them! Perhaps they will be agreeable to you; then all the more gladly will I obey other commands to favour you with more simple and varied style. Therefore show yourself more human than critical and then your pleasure will increase. To designate you the position of the hands, be advised that by “D” is indicated in the right, and by “M” the left. Live happily.”

– D. Scarlatti, 1738