Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805)

Abstract Luigi Boccherini, the Italian composer, son of an Italian bass player, was born at Lucca, and studied at Rome, where he became a fine cellist, and soon began to compose. He returned to Lucca, where for some years he was prominent as a player; and there he produced two oratorios and a cantata. He toured in Europe, and in 1768 was received in Paris by Gossec and his circle with great enthusiasm, his instrumental pieces being highly applauded; and from 1 770 to 1785 he held the post of’ composer and virtuoso’ to the king of Spain’s brother, the infante Luis, at Madrid. He afterwards became ‘chamber-composer’ to King Frederick William II of Prussia till 1797, when he returned to Spain. He died at Madrid on 28 May 1805.