Presents
Luigi Boccherini
String Quintet in B flat Major, Op.39 No.1, G.337
For 2 Violins, 2 Violas & Cello or 2 Violins, Violas & 2 Cellos or 2 Violins, Viola, Cello & Bass
The Op.39 No.1 String Quintet by Boccherini is the first of a set of three dating from 1787 and is among his better known quintets. What is unusual about this set, judging from his manuscript, is that that Boccherini intended these three quintets to be played by a cello and bass rather than two cellos. It is in four movements. The charming opening movement, Andante lento, begins in with a genial, somewhat stately main theme. The music displays an elegance which is graceful. Next comes a short, very lively Allegro vivo which is over almost before it begins. It is interrupted without warning by a Tempo di Minuetto. This inturn is suddenly interrupted by a Grave section, which cannot really be called a trio. The finale, Rondeau, allegro non tanto, has a catchy theme in which the first cello is given the lead.
Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805) was born in the town of Lucca in northern Italy. He studied cello and became a virtuoso eventually moving to Spain where he took employment with the Spanish royal family for the rest of his life. Boccherini wrote more than 120 string quintets, most for two cellos rather than the usual two violas. Why was that, one might ask. The answer lies in the fact that Boccherini spent more than half his life at the Spanish court in a remote palace where he had but few musicians for whom to write. It explains why so much of his oeuvre is chamber music. Already on the staff of the Spanish Infante when he was hired was the Font family string quartet, a father and three sons. If Boccherini, a cellist, were to take part in the music he wrote, it would have to be a quintet for 2 cellos. It is extraordinary, given that he had no prior example to guide him, how well Boccherini's cello quintets turned out. With two cellos, no one cello has to fulfill the bass line at all times. He then uses this freedom to achieve an extraordinay balance between the instruments with all of the voices having solo opportunities.
We have reprinted the original edition but added rehearsal numbers. This is a good work with fine part-writing for all. The lovely, flowing melodies and rhythms are typical of Boccherini. It is suitable for both concert and home performance.
| (A) 2 Violins, Viola & 2 Cellos-Parts | $24.95 |
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| (B) 2 Violins, Viola, Cello & Bass-Parts | $24.95 |
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| (C) 2 Violins, 2 Violas & Cello-Parts | $24.95 |
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| (D) All Seven Parts | $34.95 |
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