Giuseppe & Giovanni Sammartini: Organ Works

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Baroque music with "Giuseppe & Giovanni Sammartini: Organ Works," a captivating collection of keyboard concertos and sonatas by the renowned Italian composer Giovanni Battista Sammartini. Released on March 31, 2015, under the Glossa label, this album showcases Sammartini's mastery of the keyboard, offering a delightful blend of virtuosity and elegance.

The album features a selection of Sammartini's organ works, including the Keyboard Concerto in F Major, Op. 9 No. 2, the Keyboard Concerto in A Major, Op. 9 No. 1, and the Keyboard Concerto in B-Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 4, among others. Each piece is a testament to Sammartini's compositional skill, with intricate melodies and harmonies that highlight the beauty of the Baroque era.

Born in Milan, Italy, in 1700 or 1701, Giovanni Battista Sammartini was not only a prolific composer but also a skilled oboe player. Alongside his brother Giuseppe, he received oboe lessons, further enriching his musical background. Despite composing only a few organ works, Sammartini's contributions to the genre are significant, and this album provides a comprehensive overview of his keyboard compositions.

With a duration of approximately one hour and three minutes, "Giuseppe & Giovanni Sammartini: Organ Works" is a delightful journey through the world of Baroque music. The album's classical genre and the exquisite performances make it a valuable addition to any music lover's collection. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rewarding listening experience.

31 mrt 2015

2015 Glossa

About Giovanni Battista Sammartini

Giovanni Battista Sammartini, born in Milan around 1700, was a pivotal figure in the evolution of classical music, serving as a composer, violinist, organist, choirmaster, and teacher. His innovative approach to the symphony laid the groundwork for the Classical style that would later be perfected by giants like Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Sammartini's compositions, which span symphonies, concertos, sonatas, and masses, are marked by a galant style that reflects the ideals of the Enlightenment, blending elegance with a newfound seriousness and thematic development.

Throughout his career, Sammartini mentored notable figures such as Christoph Willibald Gluck and was highly respected by younger composers like Johann Christian Bach. His influence extended beyond his immediate circle, with echoes of his stylistic innovations detectable in the works of Haydn, despite the latter's denials. Sammartini's legacy is one of bridging the gap between the Baroque and Classical eras, making him an essential figure in the history of Western music.