Customer Reviews

The Best of Boccherini

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This was among my very first Boccherini albums (I own 50+) and I consider it an absolutely essential collection of his music.

CONS: I wish the "Famous Minuet" was presented as part of the whole quintet it was written in as this album presents it alone and thus out of its immediate context. Also, the playing on the Guitar Quintet #4 is a bit anemic, especially in the Fandango which sounds much better when played with force and zest (I strongly recommentd the version by Europa Galante) though Boccherini's beauty shines through. Finally, the Flute Concerto is not by Boccherini at all, but by Franz Pokorny.

PROS: Out of the four versions of the Cello Concerto in B flat that I own, this is BY FAR the most beautifully realized version. Its playing is so strong and full of life that I am continually amazed each time I hear it. Its Andantino Grazioso is one of the most beautiful pieces of music that you will ever hear. Boccherini has here reached the sublime. Also, this is the original version of this concerto as written by Boccherini, not the fake Greutzmacher hackjob that appears on some albums.
The String Quartet in D opens with an invigorating Allegro Vivace that is played with such excitement and warmth it will make you immagine you are running through a field of tall grass in the summertime.
The Allegro of the Symphony No. 3 stands up to any of Hayden or Mozart's symphonies. Its brief violin solo is gorgeous!
Finally, the Guitar Quintet #9 is at the same time full of kinetic brilliance and fragile tenderness.

The songs on this album are all gorgeous creations that deserve so much more of the spotlight than they currently have. In all, this is a GREAT introduction to the music of one of history's most beautiful (though forgotten) composers. I warmly recommend this to you.

Boccherini- The first classical masterpiece which comes to our mind is his "Minuet". Bochherini has composed over 100 string quintets especially when he was in Spain. No wonder the third movement-Grave assai-in the Guitar Quintet No.4 in D (Fandango)composition has such added spanish tinge to it. Pepe Romero on the guitar accompanied by the Academy of St.Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble has captured the essence of the music with great brilliance. This Phillips recording would be a worthy addition to your classical collection.

This 2 CD set is full of beautiful Baroque music by one of its masters. This is a terrific bargain for the quality of the performances. Highly recommended.

This is such a beautiful cd. I never tire of listening to it. The music is as crisp and clear as if you were sitting right in front of the orchestra yourself!

I love his music. This CD just confirms that. Very good background music to relax by. Some of the selections have a little spice to them. It's that Spanish flair coming out I guess. Could listen to it everyday.

wonderful recording...a perennial favorite perfect for a relaxing summer evening.

for any classical music collection.
I listen to this at work in my office. Relaxing and stimulating at the same time.