Sammartini: Maria Addolorata / Il Pianto Di San Pietro

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich Baroque era with Giovanni Battista Sammartini's "Maria Addolorata / Il Pianto Di San Pietro," a captivating collection of sacred dramas that showcase the composer's mastery of the oratorio form. Released on February 1, 2005, by Naxos, this album presents two of Sammartini's most renowned works, "Maria Addolorata" (The Sorrowing Mary) and "Il Pianto di San Pietro" (The Tears of Saint Peter), each a poignant exploration of faith, sorrow, and redemption.

Conducted by Daniele Ferrari, this recording features a stellar ensemble of vocalists and instrumentalists who bring Sammartini's compositions to life with vivid expression and historical authenticity. The album opens with the dramatic "Maria Addolorata," a work that delves into the grief of the Virgin Mary, accompanied by the poignant laments of her companions. The second part, "Il Pianto di San Pietro," explores the remorse and eventual forgiveness of Saint Peter, culminating in a powerful final chorus.

Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes, this album offers a comprehensive journey through Sammartini's sacred dramas, highlighting his skill in crafting compelling narratives through music. The performances are meticulously crafted, with each aria and recitative expertly delivered to convey the depth of the characters' emotions. The instrumental accompaniment, including sinfonias and choruses, adds layers of richness and texture to the overall experience.

For classical music enthusiasts and those eager to explore the Baroque repertoire, this album is a treasure trove of musical excellence. The combination of Sammartini's compositions and Ferrari's conducting makes for an unforgettable listening experience, showcasing the timeless beauty of Baroque sacred music.

1 februari 2005

2005 Naxos

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.