6 Quintets = Quintettes = Quintette

This recording of Luigi Boccherini’s string quintets was released in 1981 by the Argo label, a division of Decca Records historically renowned for its dedication to both early music and contemporary chamber works. Featuring oboist Sarah Francis alongside the Allegri String Quartet, the album captures the graceful, virtuosic character of Boccherini’s 18th-century compositions. The release arrived during a period when the label was systematically re-evaluating the chamber music repertoire, prioritizing high-fidelity studio engineering to highlight the intricate interplay between the four strings and the guest oboe.

The Allegri String Quartet, established in 1953, was a cornerstone of British chamber music throughout the mid-to-late twentieth century, known for a polished and technically precise style that suited the elegance of Boccherini's work. Sarah Francis, a distinguished oboist, brought a melodic clarity to these quintets that complemented the quartet's established rapport. The album was well-received by classical music critics of the era for its idiomatic sensitivity, serving as a testament to Argo’s commitment to documenting the refinement of the Italian Classical style for modern listeners.