Presents

Giovanni Battista Cirri

Six String String Quartets, Op.13

Giovanni Battista Cirri (1724-1808) was born in the Italian town of Forlì in the Emilia-Romagna Region of Italy. He had his first musical training with his brother Ignazio and was for a time organist at Forlì Cathedral. He also studied cello with Giovanni Battista Martini, in Bologna. He pursued a career as a cellist and composer. Around 1760 he traveled to Paris but was invited to London where he settled a few  years later. During the 18 years he spent in England, he was employed  by the Duke of York and the Duke of Gloucester as their music director. His most successful works were composed during his stay in England.

The Six String Quartets, Op.13 and dedicated to John Ward the second Vicount Dudley and were composed during the first part of the 1770s. Their style is interesting in that they represent a mix of the tale end of the Italian Baroque era and the emerging classical style pioneered by the Mannheim School. The quartets all have three movements but do not always follow a fast-slow-fast pattern. Like the works of Boccherini some of the quartets end with minuets. Of note is the fact the cello is very generously treated, perhaps not a surprise, since the cello was Cirri’s own instrument.

We have reprinted a clean copy of the original edition which though 250 years old is quite readable for an edition of this age. Keep in mind, however, this is nothing like a new publication. The quartets make a good concert choice and can be warmly recommended to amateurs.

 Parts: $24.95