Boccherini, LUIGI

Boccherini, LUIGI, composer, born at Lucca, 14th January 1740, studied at Rome, and appeared with great success at Paris in 1768. He next went to Madrid, and became chamber-composer to the Infante Don Luis, afterwards holding the same post under Frederick-William II. of Prussia. With the king's death in 1797, however, Boccherini's salary ceased, and the remainder of his life was darkened by poverty and ill-health. He died at Madrid, 28th May 1805. He wrote three hundred and sixty-six instrumental works, mostly trios, quartets, and quintets for strings, in which the cello is prominent; of his vocal works, a Stabat Mater for three voices has alone been published. Melodious, dignified, and displaying great originality, his best works are still esteemed.