Boccherini: Guitar Quintets Complete

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Luigi Boccherini's complete guitar quintets, a collection that showcases the composer's mastery and innovation in the classical genre. This album, released on Brilliant Classics in 2006, presents a comprehensive journey through Boccherini's nine surviving guitar quintets, originally arranged for the Marquis de Benavent, an amateur guitarist and patron of the arts.

Spanning over two hours and twenty-eight minutes, this collection is a testament to Boccherini's ability to blend the warmth of the guitar with the richness of string instruments. The quintets, performed with exquisite precision, offer a range of emotions and moods, from the lively and spirited to the introspective and serene. Each quintet is a multi-movement work, allowing Boccherini to explore various themes and musical ideas within a single piece.

The album opens with the Quintetto No. 1 in D Minor, G. 445, setting a dramatic tone with its Allegro moderato, and concludes with the Quintetto No. 9 in C Major, G. 453, "La Ritirata di Madrid," which features a majestic Allegro maestoso assai. Highlights include the playful and rhythmic "Fandango" from Quintetto No. 4 in D Major, G. 448, and the elegant and graceful movements of Quintetto No. 5 in D Major, G. 449.

Boccherini's guitar quintets are not just a delight for classical music enthusiasts but also a treasure trove for those interested in the history of guitar music. The arrangements, originally intended for private performances, offer a unique insight into the musical tastes and preferences of the aristocracy during the 18th century.

This album is a must-listen for anyone seeking to explore the rich tapestry of classical music, and Boccherini's guitar quintets are a perfect starting point for those looking to discover the beauty and complexity of this timeless genre.