Boccherini,
(Ridolfo) Luigi, famous Italian composer and cellist; b. Lucca, Feb.
19, 1743; d. Madrid, May 28, 1805. He grew
up in a musical environment and became a cello player. In 1757 he was
engaged as a member of the orch. of the Court Theater in Vienna. From 1761
to 1763 he was in Lucca; after a year in Vienna he returned to Lucca and
played cello at the theater orch. there. He then undertook a concert tour
with the violinist Filippo Manfredi in 1766. Then he went to Paris, where
he appeared at the Concert Spirituel in 1768. He became exceedingly
popular as a performer, and his own compositions were publ. in Paris; his
1st publications were 6 string quartets and 2 books of string trios. In
1769 he received a flattering invitation to the Madrid court, and became
chamber composer to the Infante Luis; after the latter’s death he served
as court composer to Friedrich Wilhelm II of Prussia; was appointed to the
German court on Jan. 21, 1786. After the death of the King in 1797 he
returned to Madrid. In 1800 he enjoyed the patronage of Napoleon’s
brother, Lucien Bonaparte, who served as French ambassador to Madrid.
Despite his successes at various European courts, Boccherini lost his
appeal to his patrons and to the public. He died in poverty; in a belated
tribute to a native son, the authorities in Lucca had his remains
transferred there and reinterred with great solemnity in 1927. Boccherini
had profound admiration for Haydn; indeed, so close was Boccherini’s style
to Haydn’s that this affinity gave rise to the saying, “Boccherini is the
wife of Haydn.” He was an exceptionally fecund composer, specializing
almost exclusively in chamber music. A list of his works includes 26
chamber syms.; 2 octets; 16 sextets; 125 string quintets; 12 piano
quintets; 24 quintets for Strings and Flute (or Oboe); 91 string quartets;
48 string trios; 21 violin sonatas; 6 cello sonatas; also 11 cello
concertos. He further wrote much guitar music, a Christmas cantata, and
some sacred works.
