Quartetto op. 3/1

Manuel Canales (1747-1786) is the first Spanish composer who is known to have composed string quartets. He is also the first in number-of-quartets written, since 12 of his quartets have come down to us. He was born in Toledo, where he studied. After holding a post at Toledo cathedral, he spent a few years in the service of the House of Alba in Madrid. He returned to Toledo cathedral in 1776, where he stayed until his death in 1786.
His opus 3 quartets were published in England in 1782. The collection comprises six quartets, and the copy we used is kept in the National Library in Madrid.
With this first quartet we are now publishing, we have sought to produce a revised edition suited both to those interested in true-text editions and to those simply seeking a practical performing edition. We have followed the original, including the original markings, as far as possible. We have tidied up the dynamics markings where needed, adding any extra ones required, though being guided in this by the score markings. We have also added any accidentals that were missing.
We would like to thank Salvador Mas and the Canales quartet for their advice, though any mistake remaining is our responsibility.
Abili Fort