Born Feb. 19, 1743, in Lucca; died May 28,1805, in Madrid. Italian composer and cellist. Son of a musician.
Boccherini gave many concerts (in Spain, France, and Germany). Beginning in late 1768 (or the beginning of 1769), he was court musician in Madrid. He established the cello as a solo instrument. He composed symphonies (about 30), chamber instrumental works (about 400), compositions for the cello, and other works. In several chamber compositions he used Spanish folklore. Boccherini’s cello concertos and sonatas are classic examples of the solo instrumental music of the 18th century.