This album features the world premiere recording of Giovanni Battista Sammartini's Six 'Viennese' Sonatas for violin and basso continuo.
Interpretation
For the third and sixth sonatas, which are more classical in style, the Oinos Baroque Trio chose to use a fortepiano and a less improvisatory basso continuo.
Instruments
The harpsichord and fortepiano used in this recording are copies of German instruments, reflecting Milan's historical ties with Europe under Habsburg rule.
Performer Biography
Simonetta Heger, the harpsichordist and fortepianist, taught at the Conservatory of Milan until 2020 and has recorded for various labels.
Composer Biography
Giovanni Battista Sammartini, the composer, is often remembered as the 'father of the symphony' for his pioneering work in that genre.
Compositional Technique
In these sonatas, the basso continuo part shows greater movement and independence than is typical for Sammartini, who often used a 'drumming bass' with repeated notes.
Composition History
The sonatas on this album are preserved in manuscript at Vienna's Österreichische Nationalbibliothek and were once part of the Hofkapelle's collection.
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