Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805)studied in Rome and then returned to his native Lucca, joining the town theatre orchestra as violoncellist. At the same time, he introduced himself to his fellow citizens as a composer by giving a special concert - with the cooperation of Filippo Manfredi, the violinist - devoted entirely to his own sonatas. The success of this concert was so great that the two decided to tour the principal cities of France. Their reception at all their destinations surpassed their wildest expectations, including in Paris, where they performed in 1768.
The fame of the duo had become so great that the Ambassador of España in Paris invited them to come to Madrid. They were disappointed by this tour because their reception was not half so welcoming as they had anticipated, and royal patronage, which had been promised to them, was not forthcoming. For Boccherini, however, there were consolations.
The Emperor of Prussia was impressed with his abilities both as virtuoso and composer, and engaged him as a chamber-composer at a generous annual salary. Boccherini held this position for several years, enjoying a period of comfort and high esteem. With the death of his royal benefactor, however, Boccherini was compelled to seek employment elsewhere, and he decided to return to Spain.
For a long period he lived in Madrid, in obscurity and want. He lived, together with his family, in a dreary backroom where his only escape from squalor and darkness was in the production of music. He had few friends, and ill-health necessitated his complete retirement from his violoncello playing. For a brief span he knew some recess from poverty when Lucien Buonaparte, ambassador of the République Français in Madrid and an admirer of Boccherini's music, commissioned him to compose some chamber music.
However, this was only a fleeting respite from indigence.
The last years of Boccherini's life were spent in appalling poverty, which he tried to alleviate by doing hack-work, such as arrangements of his own works for the guitar at the request of some rich patrons. His misery was further increased by the death of his two sons. When he himself died he passed on virtually unnoticed.
