Introduction

Luigi Boccherini was born in Lucca, Italy, on February 19th, 1743 . He was taught music at a young age by his father, who was a professional bass player. Boccherini proved to be an extremely skilled pupil, and in 1757 he was sent to Rome to perfect his technique under expert instruction. In Rome he studied under Maestro di Cappella at St. Peters. He later visited Vienna with this man three times before he had turned twenty-one. He returned to Lucca at that age and formed a string quartet with his friend Filippo Manfredi. He composed several sonatas for the two to play, and they were called all over France to tour.

Historical Context

They arrived in Paris in 1767, here he was allowed to publicize his trios, quartets and other pieces to a sizable audience. He then proceeded to compose ten cello concertos to recreate the instrument in the new age of music. He stretched what was previously thought as the limitations of playing the cello, but upon settling in Madrid from an invitation of the ambassador, he began to concentrate of composing pieces for the string quartet and quintet.

He then went to write for Prince Wilhelm of Prussia for a short time. Upon his return to Spain in 1800, he began to compose several commissioned pieces for Lucien Buonparte, Napoleon's brother. His fame was cemented through Europe, and even his publisher back in Paris released music of other's under his name. Nonetheless, Boccherini died a poor man in Madrid in 1805.

His Music

Boccherini's pieces made him famous. His intricate melodies and amusing combinations of various instruments make his music different and enjoyable. He revolutionized music for the cello during his lifetime. He wrote 93 quintets with an extra cello rather than a bass. He also had a peculiar interest in the guitar during his time. He wrote nine guitar quintets using the contrast in sounds to exploit the lines of melody. In total, he wrote eighteen symphonies, and over 300 chamber pieces. His music was not famous after his death until around 1850 where the lines of melody began to appeal to the culturally aware in Vienna.

His Famous Compositions

His notable pieces include his Cello Concertos in G and B-Flat. His Symphony in D Major is also very good. Two of his numerous string quartets are especially listened to. They are String Quartet in A Major and String Quartet in G Major. His Guitar Quintet in C Major is very highly recommended and His single Octet in G Major rounds out the group. However his most famous piece is thought to be the Minuet which is actually the minuet from his String Quintet in E-major, Opus 13.

• List of Chamber Works by Boccherini
• Other Classical Composers
• Classical Net: Luigi Boccherini

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