Charming and Lively Chamber Music

Luigi Boccherini was born in Italy in 1743 -- but he lived most of his life in Spain, composing for several different noble and royal employers.  He was a tremendous cellist, and wrote much for his own instrument.  But he also composed numerous symphonies (more even than Mozart) and a profusion of chamber works. 

The works I want to mention today are six quintets for strings and oboe.  These pieces first came to me back in the days of the cassette (anyone remember those?) in a release from the Musical Heritage Society.  The original recording was made on the Decca Records Argo label in the late 1970s.  The Allegri String Quartet and Sarah Francis, oboe, were the performers.

The music has, from the opening notes, a kind of sunny brightness that never fails to put a smile on my face.  I find this to be ideal listening for the kind of gloomy, cloudy weather when nothing much else can get me to brighten up.  In the space of an hour, you'll hear a wealth of diverse styles and charming, memorable melodies.  This is lively, sprightly music that dances along with with a spring in its step at all times.  If you can possibly find a copy of this gem, grab it!