Concert for flute and small string orchestra (Op 27) in D Major

Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805) was a prolific Italian composer who has written approximately 500 works, mostly chamber music, symphonies, concertos, as well as sacred music. Boccherini is known for development of string quartet as we know today as well as piano quintet, producing over 100 string quartets, 100 quintets, 50 trios and other 50 chamber music compositions for various instruments.

Luigi was born in Lucca (Tuscany) in artistic family: his father was a double-bass player, and his brother was a notable poet, writing librettos for works of Joseph Haydn and Antonio Salieri. Young Luigi went to Rome to study cello and was influenced by music of Palestrina and Corelli. Upon returning to Lucca, Boccherini took leadership of local church and theatre orchestras as well as composed various instrumental music, developing the style of string quartet as we know today. In 1766 Boccherini left for Paris where many of his earliest compositions were published. In 1769 he was persuaded to join the court of King of Spain, Charles III and moved to Madrid where he spent the rest of his life.