Luigi Boccherini Sonare Quartett - Boccherini String Quartets Op 2 Nos 16 (18 tracks) +Album Reviews

Search - Luigi Boccherini, Sonare Quartett :: Boccherini: String Quartets Op. 2, Nos. 1-6

Luigi Boccherini, Sonare Quartett
Boccherini: String Quartets Op. 2, Nos. 1-6
Genre: Classical

Track Listings (18) - Disc #1
1. String Quartets (6), G. 159-64 (Op. 2): String Quartet op. 2/1 (G 159) in C minor: Allegro comodo
2. String Quartets (6), G. 159-64 (Op. 2): String Quartet op. 2/1 (G 159) in C minor: Largo
3. String Quartets (6), G. 159-64 (Op. 2): String Quartet op. 2/1 (G 159) in C minor: Allegro
4. String Quartets (6), G. 159-64 (Op. 2): String Quartet op. 2/2 (G 160) in B flat major: Allegro non tanto
5. String Quartets (6), G. 159-64 (Op. 2): String Quartet op. 2/2 (G 160) in B flat major: Largo
6. String Quartets (6), G. 159-64 (Op. 2): String Quartet op. 2/2 (G 160) in B flat major: Fuga - con spirito
7. String Quartets (6), G. 159-64 (Op. 2): String Quartet op. 2/3 (G 161) in D major: Allegro moderato
8. String Quartets (6), G. 159-64 (Op. 2): String Quartet op. 2/3 (G 161) in D major: Largo
9. String Quartets (6), G. 159-64 (Op. 2): String Quartet op. 2/3 (G 161) in D major: Minuetto
10. String Quartets (6), G. 159-64 (Op. 2): String Quartet op. 2/4 (G 162) in E flat major: Allegro spiritoso
11. String Quartets (6), G. 159-64 (Op. 2): String Quartet op. 2/4 (G 162) in E flat major: Adagio
12. String Quartets (6), G. 159-64 (Op. 2): String Quartet op. 2/4 (G 162) in E flat major: Minuetto
13. String Quartets (6), G. 159-64 (Op. 2): String Quartet op. 2/5 (G 163) in E major: Allegro moderato
14. String Quartets (6), G. 159-64 (Op. 2): String Quartet op. 2/5 (G 163) in E major: Adagio
15. String Quartets (6), G. 159-64 (Op. 2): String Quartet op. 2/5 (G 163) in E major: Allegro assai
16. String Quartets (6), G. 159-64 (Op. 2): String Quartet op. 2/6 (G 164) in C major: Allegro con spirito
17. String Quartets (6), G. 159-64 (Op. 2): String Quartet op. 2/6 (G 164) in C major: Largo assai
18. String Quartets (6), G. 159-64 (Op. 2): String Quartet op. 2/6 (G 164) in C major: Tempo di minuetto

CD Details

All Artists: Luigi Boccherini, Sonare Quartett
Title: Boccherini: String Quartets Op. 2, Nos. 1-6
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Cpo Records
Release Date: 2/1/1994
Genre: Classical
Styles: Chamber Music, Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830)
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 761203912322

CD Reviews

These quartets have a very unique place in the history of mu

N. Cook | 04/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If "string quartet" is defined as a piece of music for two violins, viola and cello, then the first string quartet in history was written by Joseph Haydn (at least according to my research). Haydn's first quartets were played by musicians who then went their separate ways. However, if "string quartet" refers to two violinists, a violist and a cellist who have formed a group to play together as a permanent professional chamber ensemble, then Luigi Boccherini participated in the first real string quartet in the history of music. His quartet (in which he played cello) travelled around Italy playing his and Haydn's music.

The quartets here were written by Boccherini for his group as the first pieces of music written to be played by a traveling quartet. Thus they occupy a very special, yet completely overlooked place in history.

The first work here is my favorite. It immediately grabs you as it starts abruptly ex nihlo with a dramatic opening phrase that has a bit more of the romantic spirit than you think a piece from this era should have. Its final Allegro shares this dramatic spirit dressed in a sort of "profound playfulness." Each of these works is full of romping energy that is very original, interesting and highly amusing though none of them fully departs from being "serious." Perhaps an analogy would be a group of business execs in Armani suits playing soccer and loving every minute of it. Highly recommended!"