'''Luigi Boccherini''' (1743-1805), [[Italian]] [[composer]] and [[cello|cellist]], came from a notable family of musicians, dancers and poets. From his teens he was recognised as an outstanding player and toured with his father throughout northern Italy and as far afield as [[Vienna]]. In 1767 he set off for a tour of [[France]] and [[England]] but, the next year, found himself in [[Madrid]]. He was to spend the rest of his life in [[Spain]], either at the royal court, or in private employ. (Whilst given the position of court composer to the king of [[Prussia]] and writing music for the king, he never actually visited there.) He died in apparent poverty in Madrid in 1805. | '''Luigi Boccherini''' (1743-1805), [[Italian]] [[composer]] and [[cello|cellist]], came from a notable family of musicians, dancers and poets. From his teens he was recognised as an outstanding player and toured with his father throughout northern Italy and as far afield as [[Vienna]]. In 1767 he set off for a tour of [[France]] and [[England]] but, the next year, found himself in [[Madrid]]. He was to spend the rest of his life in [[Spain]], either at the royal court, or in private employ. (Whilst given the position of court composer to the king of [[Prussia]] and writing music for the king, he never actually visited there.) He died in apparent poverty in Madrid in 1805. |