The practice of 'accomodamento' (transcription) for two keyboard instruments was widespread in the 18th century, allowing amateur musicians to play orchestral or chamber works at home.
Interpretation
The use of fortepianos for these transcriptions is considered appropriate due to the music's expressive dynamics and 'Empfindsamkeit' (sensibility) elements.
Instruments
Anna Clemente plays a Viennese grand fortepiano by Johann Schanz, dated around 1810-1815, featuring five pedals for various registers.
Composition History
Luigi Boccherini's six Quartettini, G. 195-200, were composed in 1778 and published in Vienna in 1781 as Op. 32.
Compositional Technique
Boccherini's Quartettini, considered 'little works', combine sonata form and minuet, with minuets often evoking Spanish dance rhythms and guitar idioms.
Composer Biography
Luigi Boccherini spent many years in Spain, from 1768 to 1805, serving as the chamber music composer for the Infante Don Luis in Madrid.
Instruments
Susanna Piolanti plays a Viennese grand fortepiano by Johann Schanz, dated around 1800, equipped with two knee levers and one manual for different effects.
You might also enjoy...
Boccherini: Guitar Quintets
Donizetti, G.: Flute Quartets Nos. 6, 7, 9, and 16
Molino: Sonate per chitarra e violino, Opp. 2 & 7
Spanish Music for Guitar and Quartet, Vol. 1
Italian Lute Music
Boccherini: 3 Guitar Quintets
Boccherini: Guitar Quintets
Boccherini: Three Guitar Quintets (Tatrai String Quartet; Laszlo Szendrey-Karper)
