Boccherini, Luigi b. February 19, 1743 d. May 28, 1805 Composer, Cellist. A very popular musician of his era, he was influential in bringing the cello to prominence as both a solo and chamber instrument. The "Minuet" from his String Quintet in E, Op. 11, No. 5 (1775), is one of the most familiar melodies in all Classical music. Luigi Rodolfo Boccherini was born in Lucca, Italy, the son of a doublebass player. He perfected his virtuoso skills as a cellist at St. Peter's in Rome and then went on extensive concert tours of Europe, accompanied by...[Read More] (Bio by: Robert Edwards) Chiesa di San Francesco, Lucca, Provincia di Lucca, Toscana, Italy
Geminiani, Francesco b. December 5, 1687 d. September 17, 1762 Violinist, Composer, Theorist. One of the formeost violinists of his era, he broadened the expressive range of his instrument and established techniques that are still used today. He is probably best remembered for "The Art of Playing on the Violin" (1751), the first guidebook intended for professional musicians; in addition he wrote five influential treatises on harmony and guitar playing. His books are crucial to modern understanding of Baroque musical practice. Geminiani was born in Lucca...[Read More] (Bio by: Robert Edwards) Chiesa di San Francesco, Lucca, Provincia di Lucca, Toscana, Italy
b. February 19, 1743 d. May 28, 1805