Sammartini: 6 Sonate a Oboe Solo con il Basso

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich, expressive world of Giovanni Battista Sammartini's "Sammartini: 6 Sonate a Oboe Solo con il Basso," a captivating collection of Baroque oboe sonatas that showcase the composer's mastery and the timeless beauty of the genre. Released on Gramola Records in 2013, this album features six sonatas performed by the talented oboist Andrea Mion and the Concertino Amarilli ensemble, delivering a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply resonant.

Giovanni Battista Sammartini, a prominent Italian composer, organist, and conductor, was a pivotal figure in the development of the classical style. His compositions, including these sonatas, are celebrated for their elegance, clarity, and emotional depth. Each of the six sonatas on this album is a testament to Sammartini's skill in crafting intricate, yet accessible, musical narratives.

The sonatas are performed with a keen sense of historical authenticity, utilizing period instruments and performance practices. The album's duration of 50 minutes offers a concise yet comprehensive exploration of Sammartini's oboe sonatas, making it an ideal introduction for those new to his work and a delightful addition for seasoned enthusiasts. From the lively Allegro movements to the contemplative Andantes, each piece is a journey through the composer's artistic vision, revealing the subtle nuances and rich textures of Baroque music.

This album is a treasure trove for classical music lovers, offering a rare opportunity to experience the works of a composer who, though less known than his younger brother Giuseppe, made significant contributions to the musical landscape of his time. Whether you are a fan of Baroque music, an oboe enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates exquisite musical craftsmanship, "Sammartini: 6 Sonate a Oboe Solo con il Basso" is sure to captivate and inspire.

1 september 2013

2013 Gramola Records

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.