Now better known for his collections of Scottish tunes with variations, William McGibbon (1696–1756) was the best-known and most popular violinist-composer in Edinburgh in the eighteenth century. His three volumes of trio sonatas—one of which survives only in fragmentary form—combine fluidity of writing with Corellian influence. The 1729 set was the first music published in Scotland for the transverse flute, and its sixth trio sonata features virtuosic violin writing as well. This edition contains twelve trio sonatas, six solo sonatas, six flute duets, and the surviving first flute part of the fragmentary third volume of trio sonatas.

A solid grounding in musical techniques of the 17th and 18th centuries is essential to a complete understanding of Baroque music. As scholar Denis Stevens says in his introduction to this work, "Full enjoyment will come only when the soloist learns the gentle art of tasteful embellishment of a melodic line, and when continuo players learn that their role is perhaps the most important in the entire ensemble." Arnold's legendary work is a comprehensive survey of its topic, covering every issue of significance to today's performer. The text is fully amplified with numerous musical examples, authoritative citations, scholarly interpretations and syntheses, and the author's own conclusions. An inexhaustible collection of source material for the musicologist as well as an indispensable companion for conductor, editor, or performer. Volume 2 of a 2-volume set.