The Celebrated San Martini: Recorder Sonatas by Giovanni Sammartini

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Giovanni Battista Sammartini's recorder sonatas with this captivating album, "The Celebrated San Martini: Recorder Sonatas by Giovanni Sammartini." This exquisite collection, released on January 20, 2023, by Pan Classics, showcases the timeless elegance and virtuosity of Sammartini's compositions, performed with unparalleled skill and artistry.

Giovanni Battista Sammartini, a renowned Italian composer, violinist, organist, and teacher, was a pivotal figure in the transition from the Baroque to the Classical era. His influence extended to notable students like Christoph Willibald Gluck and Johann Christian Bach, and his compositions laid the groundwork for the symphonic form. This album features a selection of his finest recorder sonatas, each a testament to his mastery of the stile galante and his innovative approach to musical structure.

The album spans six sonatas, each offering a unique blend of technical brilliance and melodic beauty. From the lively Allegro movements to the contemplative Andantes, Sammartini's compositions demonstrate his deep understanding of both the recorder's capabilities and the emotional depth it can convey. The sonatas are performed by an ensemble of talented musicians, including Tamar Lalo, Daniel Oyarzabal, Jadran Duncumb, Eyal Street, Josetxu Obregon, and Ismael Campanero, who bring these historic works to life with precision and passion.

Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The sonatas, ranging from the vibrant G Major Sonata No. 25 to the introspective F Major Sonata No. 27, provide a comprehensive overview of Sammartini's genius and his enduring legacy in the world of classical music. With a total duration of one hour, this album is perfect for both focused listening and background enjoyment, making it a valuable addition to any music collection.

20 januari 2023

(P) 2023 Pan 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.