Galuppi: Organ Sonatas

Featuring

Luca Scandali
Baldassare Galuppi

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Composer Biography

Baldassarre Galuppi, known as 'il Buranello' after his birthplace on the Venetian island of Burano, was a prolific composer of around one hundred operas, instrumental music, and sacred works.

Recording & Production

This album features two historical organs built by Gaetano Callido: one from 1804 in Morrovalle and another from 1792 in Civitanova Marche, both in Macerata, Italy.

Interpretation

Galuppi's sonatas, though often marked for 'cembalo' (harpsichord), were also conceived for organ and fortepiano, as the term 'cembalo' broadly referred to keyboard instruments until the early 1800s.

Historical Context

Galuppi served as court chapel master and composer of Italian opera in St Petersburg from 1765 to 1768, and also traveled to London from 1741-43.

Cultural Impact

Galuppi's music was widely disseminated across Europe, with 106 extant printed editions of his works, primarily published in London and Paris.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Galuppi's musical style belongs to the Italian 'gallant style,' characterized by the juxtaposition of melody and accompaniment, and he aimed for 'charming, clear and well modulated' music.

Composition History

The rediscovery of Galuppi's keyboard sonatas began in the early 20th century, with the number of identified sonatas growing from 51 to 175 through ongoing research.