Josetxu Obregón, cello and direction

Of the many Italian composers who worked in Spain during the 18th century, Luigi Boccherini, along with Scarlatti, achieved the greatest international renown. Arriving in Madrid (possibly for love) in the late 1760s, Boccherini became composer for the chapel of the Infante Luis Antonio de Borbón in 1770, a position he held throughout his life until the Infante's death in 1785. Afterward, he remained in the capital, serving Spanish and foreign aristocrats. Boccherini's vast catalog is particularly focused on chamber music and pays special attention to the cello, his instrument of choice.

La Ritirata was founded by cellist Josetxu Obregón in 2009 and in just over a decade has become one of the most acclaimed Baroque ensembles and is currently, without a doubt, the leading Spanish Boccherini group. This program explores some of the most celebrated scores by the Italian master who made Madrid his home. 

Luigi boccherini (1743-1805)

String Quintet in B-flat major, G. 337 (1787)

Minuet from Trio No. 2 in G major, G. 102 (1781)

Night music on Madrid streets, G. 324 (1780)

String Quartet in G major, No. 65 “La Tirana”, Op. 44, No. 4, G.223 (1792)

Adagio from the Cello Concerto in G major, G. 480 (circa 1770)

Quintet No. 77, G.341, Op. 40/2 in D major, for 2 violins, viola and 2 cellos, “Fandango” (1788)

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