The Divertimenti on this recording were composed by Boccherini in 1773 specifically for Don Luis, Infant of Spain, and the autograph manuscript is preserved in the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris.
Composer Biography
Luigi Boccherini, a cellist and composer born in Lucca in 1743, is known for his numerous cello concertos and sonatas, which are technically demanding and fundamental to the development of the cello as a virtuoso instrument.
Interpretation
Piccolo Concerto Wien, founded in 1993 by musicians with a passion for historical instruments, aims to bring lesser-known masters like Boccherini and their unusual works to the concert stage.
Composition History
Boccherini was appointed Chamber Virtuoso and Composer to Don Luigi, Infant of Spain, in November 1770, a position that led him to create the string quintet genre with two violins, viola, and two cellos.
Compositional Technique
Boccherini's Divertimenti incorporate numerous sound color effects, such as violins and viola playing 'on the bridge' in Divertimento II, and movements like 'Gara' (race) in Divertimento V, which is extremely difficult and represents a real competition.
Compositional Technique
Boccherini's Divertimenti feature an 'orchestral' writing style with numerous solo passages for flute, violins, and especially for his own instrument, the cello, including a superb cadenza for two cellos in Divertimento II.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Boccherini's music is characterized by his exceptional ability to create and manipulate the sonic subtleties of stringed instruments, with timbre and sound color being central to his compositions.
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Boccherini: Sei terzettini, Op. 47
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