Luigi Boccherini had a busy life - he was born into a talented musical family,
and at the age of only 21 was granted a post at the Chapel of the Grand Council
in Lucca, his native town. He composed a great deal of music, in addition
to playing, and some large-scale choral works date from this period. He later
travelled a great deal, both to Paris, where he met with a certain amount
of success, and later to Spain, where he would die.
The 5 sonatas on this recording were all written as showpieces. These were
the kind of works Boccherini played when on tour, to show off his talents
both as composer and musician. While there are no scores of these works in
Boccherini's hand, it is widely accepted that they are indeed by him, and
that they were written between the age of 14 and 25.
These works are indeed virtuoso showpieces. The solo cello is accompanied
by a plucked instrument (archilute or guitar) and a second cello; these two
instruments make up a small continuo group. This gives a unique, intimate
sound. This is music for pleasure, rhythmically-accented music, with hum-along
melodies. There is no introspection here, simply enjoyable chamber music
that is catchy and addictive. From the long, almost baroque, allegro of the
G minor sonata, with its expressive melodies, to the moving largo of the
E flat sonata, which features a greater presence of the second cello, to
the rhythmic allegro militare of the G major sonata, this music is a delight
to the ears.
Cellist Comberti has an excellent tone, and clearly has mastered this music.
His performance is fine, as are the performances of the two musicians
accompanying him.
An excellent recording of some very intimate and highly melodic music.
Boccherini's cello sonatas deserved to be discovered by all those who enjoy
post-baroque music.
Kirk McElhearn
ORDERING DETAILS
Price on the Website is £10.00 plus p&p, payable by credit card,
full details on the site: www.celloclassics.com
Cello Classics
38 Chandos Road
London N2 9AP
Tel +44 (0)20 8444 6358
Fax +44 (0)20 88837104
Sebastian@celloclassics.com
www.celloclassics.com
Sebastian Comberti,
violoncello
