Luigi Boccherini

Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805), full name Luigi Rodolfo Boccherini, born at Lucca, was a celebrated Italian musical composer and cellist, who influenced the development of the string quartet as a musical genre. He also composed the first music for a quintet for strings and piano. He was associated with Manfredi, the violinist. His works were numerous. He appears to have lived in poverty and obscurity. He died in Madrid, Spain.