Thursday Tunes

A talented late 18th century Italian composer who was overshadowed by the success of Mozart, Luigi Boccherini had a very unique style. I fell in love with this piece on first listen, his Guitar Quintet No.4 in D Major, sometimes called the "Fandango."

It is a unique example of a classical composer blending traditional cello and violin with guitar. I can only imagine that Mozart would have scoffed at the idea of guitars and castanets, but Boccherini makes it work beautifully, especially in the latter half of the piece when it really starts to get that Spanish spice going. Just play it in the background and you'll know when the fun part comes, because you'll be looking around for a gypsy wagon.




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