"An Italian Ground," attributed to Giovanni Battista Draghi (c.1640-1708) in some sources, is anonymous in others. Versions of the original two-part piece appear in no fewer than three published period sources and three manuscripts -- for recorder, flute, violin, viola da gamba, and keyboard. This arrangement is based on the version published in John Playford's "The Delightful Companion or Choice New Lessons for the Recorder or Flute," (London, 1686).

The original music of "An Italian Ground" is two parts: a melody over a ground bass. I have added two inner parts to create a four-part arrangement for recorders. The new parts are imitative of the original melody. I have also shared the original melody and ground bass by moving these to the inner parts in places.

Scoring in the A minor version is for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass recorders. Players may wish to use low-choir instruments, as well. The score is on three pages. The .mp3 recording is on organ, at 8' pitch.

An edition in D minor is also available, scored for Alto, Tenor, Bass, and Great Bass.