Boccherini String Quintet No.77 in D major “Fandango”

1. Luigi Boccherini String Quintet No.77 in D major “Fandango” La Ritirata/Josetxu Obergón [11:44] Luigi Boccherini’s String Quintet No. 77 in D major, Op. 40 No. 2, G. 341, commonly referred to as the “Fandango Quintet,” is one of his most celebrated works. Composed in the late 18th century, it exemplifies his distinctive style, blending classical elegance with Spanish influences, reflecting his time in Spain. Structure The quintet is scored for two violins, viola, and two cellos. Its final movement, “Tempo di Fandango,” is particularly famous for its vibrant Spanish dance rhythms and use of castanets, evoking the lively spirit of a fandango. This piece highlights Boccherini’s ability to merge courtly refinement with folkloric elements, making it a favorite among chamber music enthusiasts. 2. Edward Elgar Violin Concerto in B minor, Op.61 Vilde Frang(violin) Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin/Robin Ticciati [49:06] 3. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Fugue in G major K.401 Thomas Trotter(organ) [4:54] 4. César Franck Sonata for Violin and Piano in A major Lola Bobesco(violin), Jacques Genty(piano) 1981 [28:31] César Franck’s Sonata for Violin and Piano in A major is a masterpiece of chamber music composed in 1886. This four-movement work is renowned for its balanced interplay between violin and piano, and its innovative use of cyclic form. Composition and Premiere Franck wrote the sonata as a wedding gift for the Belgian violinist Eugène Ysaÿe. Ysaÿe first performed it at his own wedding celebration and later gave its public premiere in Brussels in 1886. The piece quickly gained popularity and became one of Franck’s most frequently performed compositions. Structure and Musical Characteristics The sonata consists of four movements: 1. Allegretto ben moderato 2. Allegro 3. Ben moderato: Recitative-Fantasia 4. Allegretto poco mosso The work is notable for its cyclic form, with themes recurring across multiple movements. It combines French lyricism with German structural ideas, showcasing Franck’s unique compositional style. Legacy This sonata is considered one of the finest works in the violin and piano repertoire. It has become a core piece for major violinists and continues to be regularly performed and recorded. The work played a significant role in establishing Franck’s reputation as a major composer, albeit late in his life. 5. Bernhard Henrik Crusell Bassoon Concerto in B flat major Karen Geoghegan(bassoon) BBC Philharmonic/Gianandrea Noseda [17:10]