Sammartini: Sonatas for Cello & B.C.

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Baroque music with Giovanni Battista Sammartini's "Sonatas for Cello & B.C." This exquisite collection, released on March 1, 2023, by Brilliant Classics, offers a rare opportunity to explore the lesser-known works of this influential Milanese composer. Sammartini, often overshadowed by his contemporaries, was a pivotal figure in the development of the classical sonata form, and this album showcases his mastery of the cello sonata genre.

The album features a diverse range of sonatas, including the complete set of six sonatas from Op. 4, as well as individual sonatas in G major and G minor. Each piece is a testament to Sammartini's compositional skill, with intricate melodies and technical challenges that highlight the expressive capabilities of the cello. The interplay between the cello and the basso continuo creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience, filled with lively exchanges and harmonious duets.

Performed by Ensemble Dolci Accenti, this recording brings a fresh perspective to Sammartini's sonatas, capturing the essence of his musical style and the historical context in which he composed. The album's duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes provides a comprehensive overview of Sammartini's contributions to the cello sonata genre, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you are a seasoned classical music aficionado or a curious newcomer, this album offers a rich and rewarding exploration of the Baroque era's musical heritage.

1 maart 2023

2023 Brilliant Classics

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.