Boccherini: Guitar Quintets, G. 448 "Fandango" & G. 453 "Ritirada di Madrid" - String Quartet, G. 194 - Luigi Boccherini

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the elegant and expressive world of Luigi Boccherini with this captivating collection of chamber works. This album showcases Boccherini's mastery of the guitar quintet and string quartet forms, featuring some of his most celebrated compositions. The highlight of the collection is the Guitar Quintet No. 4 in D Major, G. 448, famously known as the "Fandango." This piece is a delightful blend of Spanish folk influences and classical elegance, with the final movement's lively fandango rhythm bringing the work to a thrilling conclusion.

Also included is the Guitar Quintet No. 9 in C Major, G. 453, titled "La ritirata di Madrid," which offers a dramatic and evocative musical depiction of a military retreat. The String Quartet in G Minor, Op. 24 No. 6, G. 194, rounds out the album with its expressive and introspective qualities, showcasing Boccherini's ability to convey deep sentiment through his music.

Recorded in 2003 by Warner Classics, this album offers a little over an hour of enchanting music. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Boccherini's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire. The performances are brought to life with skillful artistry, making this a wonderful addition to any classical music enthusiast's library.

3 november 2003

A Warner Classics/Erato release, ℗ 2003 Parlophone Records Limited

About Luigi Boccherini

Luigi Boccherini, born in Lucca, Italy, in 1743, was a virtuoso cellist and a prolific composer whose music bridged the gap between the Baroque and Classical eras. Hailing from a family of artists, Boccherini's musical journey took him across Europe, where he served various royal patrons and left an indelible mark on the world of chamber music. His compositions, characterized by their charming, light, and optimistic Rococo style, often reflect the influence of Spanish guitar traditions, a testament to his extensive time spent in Spain.

Boccherini is perhaps best known for his string quintets and guitar quintets, which showcased his innovative approach to harmony and form. His Cello Concerto in B flat major, though long known in an altered version, has been restored to its original brilliance, offering a glimpse into his virtuosic prowess on the instrument. Beyond his instrumental works, Boccherini also composed vocal pieces, including the zarzuela "Clementina," his sole complete stage work.

Throughout his career, Boccherini's music retained a courtly and galante style, even as he matured away from the major European musical centers. His influence on the development of the string quartet and quintet is undeniable, and his works continue to captivate audiences with their elegance and charm. Despite facing poverty in his later years, Boccherini's legacy endures through his extensive and beautifully crafted musical output, which includes symphonies, chamber works, and vocal compositions.