Republic of Lucca
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Luigi Boccherini
Lucca, Republic of Lucca
Archival Overview
Italian Classical composer and cello virtuoso celebrated for his courtly galant chamber music, pioneering string quintets, and the immortal 'Minuet' from String Quintet Op. 11, No. 5.
Biographical Record
Born in Lucca to a double bass player, Luigi Boccherini was a sensational cello virtuoso who toured Europe, astonishing audiences by playing the cello in high positions like a violin. In 1768, he moved to Madrid, entering the service of the Spanish Infante Don Luis, brother of King Charles III, and living in Spain for the remainder of his life.
Boccherini revolutionized chamber music by inventing the string quintet with two cellos (predating Schubert), imbuing his works with courtly delicacy, sunny Mediterranean melody, and Spanish flamenco guitar rhythms, as heard in his celebrated 'Fandango' Quintet and 'La musica notturna delle strade di Madrid'.
Key Life Milestones
String Quintet in E major (Minuet)
Composed his String Quintet Op. 11, No. 5, containing the world-famous courtly Minuet.
La musica notturna di Madrid
Composed his programmatic chamber masterpiece evoking the bell ringers, dances, and soldiers of nighttime Madrid.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialMadrid, Spain