The Celebrated San Martini: Recorder Sonatas by Giovanni Sammartini

Featuring

Daniel Oyarzabal
Eyal Streett
Ismael Campanero
Jadran Duncumb
Tamar Lalo
Josetxu Obregón

Giovanni Battista Sammartini

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Composition History

The principal manuscript of Sammartini's sonatas, containing 26 works for recorder, flute, or oboe, is housed in the Sibley Music Library of the Eastman School of Music.

Composer Biography

Giuseppe Sammartini, the composer, was one of the great oboists of the late Baroque era and highly regarded in his time.

Historical Context

Sammartini's father, Alexis Saint-Martin, was a French oboist who settled in Milan around 1690, and the oboe itself was created by French makers in the mid-17th century.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Music historian Sir John Hawkins noted that Sammartini had a fertile invention and a style of modulation less restrained by rules, giving greater scope for his fancy.

Composer Biography

In 1736, Sammartini's life changed direction when he was hired by Frederick, Prince of Wales, as music master for his wife Augusta and their children, including the future King George III.

Compositional Technique

Sammartini's compositions are characterized by unpredictability in melody, harmony, rhythm, and phrase length, often building movements dramatically from small motives.

Compositional Technique

Sammartini's recorder sonatas move away from typical late Baroque monothematicism and rhythmic uniformity, often featuring a three-movement (fast-slow-fast) format.