Giovanni Battista Cirri (1724-1808) was born in the Italian town of Forlì in the Emilia-Romagna Region of Italy. He had his first musical training with his brother Ignazio and was, for a time, organist at Forlì Cathedral. He also studied cello with Giovanni Battista Martini in Bologna. He pursued a career as a cellist and composer. Around 1760, he traveled to Paris but was invited to London, where he settled a few years later. During the 18 years he spent in England, he was employed by the Duke of York and the Duke of Gloucester as their music director. His most successful works were composed during his stay in England.
The Six String Quartets, Op.13, dedicated to John Ward, the second Viscount Dudley, were composed during the first part of the 1770s. Their style is interesting in that they represent a mix of the tail end of the Italian Baroque era and the emerging classical style pioneered by the Mannheim School. The quartets all have three movements but do not always follow a fast-slow-fast pattern. Like the works of Boccherini, some of the quartets end with minuets. Of note is the fact that the cello is very generously treated, perhaps not a surprise, since the cello was Cirri’s own instrument.
We have reprinted a clean copy of the original edition, which, though 250 years old, is quite readable for an edition of this age. Keep in mind, however, this is nothing like a new publication. The quartets make a good concert choice and can be warmly recommended to amateurs.