Sammartini: Quintets & Quartets

Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of classical music with "Sammartini: Quintets & Quartets," a captivating collection of works by the renowned Giovanni Battista Sammartini. Released in March 1997 under the Stradivarius label, this album showcases Sammartini's mastery of the string quintet and quartet forms, offering a rich tapestry of musical compositions that span a variety of moods and tempos.

The album features a diverse range of pieces, including the String Quintet No. 2 in G Major and the String Quintet No. 1 in G Major, each movement meticulously crafted to highlight the intricate harmonies and melodic brilliance for which Sammartini is celebrated. The Concertino a 4 series, presented in G Major, E-Flat Major, and B-Flat Major, further enriches the collection with its lively and expressive compositions.

Conducted by the esteemed Kevin Mallon and performed by the Aradia Ensemble, this recording captures the essence of Sammartini's contributions to the history of music. With a total duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, the album provides a comprehensive exploration of Sammartini's musical genius, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you are a seasoned admirer of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a delightful and enriching listening experience.

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.