Search - Kevin Mallon :: Sammartini: Six Symphonies J-C 4, 9, 16, 23, 36 & 62

Sammartini: A Composer to Discover

edouard pinaud | USA | 11/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although I cannot compare these performances with other interpretations, like the previous reviewer wisely did, I can equally recommend this MP3 album of select Sammartini symphonies. Now that I think about, his comment is quite correct. There is a slightly somber tone to the overall production here, but the ear quickly accustoms itself, especially if one has not heard previous interpretations and recordings. And I prefer ambient warmth to sharp treble-ended tonalities, especially where strings and horns are concerned. The reverb on these recordings is particularly rich, adding resonance, but tailing-off quickly and nicely. It is somber, but definitely not murky. The resulting feeling is that you are right there, amongst the orchestra itself, if not conducting it.



Apart from that, this is an excellent album. I particularly like the Second Movement (Adante e affectuoso) of Symphony No. 4. You'll also find yourself humming, unprompted, the First Movement (Allegro) of Symphony No. 9, days after listening to it. Its Second Movement (Affectuouso) is also remarkable. The First Movement (Alla breve) of Symphony No. 16 is infectious. The list goes on....



Upon purchasing this record, Sammartini (1701-1775) was completely new to me. Now I only wish I could get my ears around his numerous other symphonies. Tip: you can pick up Symphony No. 26 on the "Sammartini: Pianto Degli Angeli Della Pace" album, also released by Naxos. Each movement is available for 89 cents a piece. There really should be a Sammartini symphonic box set out there somewhere, sometime; if there is one on compact disc, it has not made its way to MP3 format, but I'll be waiting in line when it does.



These works happily remind me of Haydn's all-too-often overlooked early symphonies. If I remember some of my readings correctly, there was something of a reciprocal influence, if Sammartini did not lead the way, and he certainly did, chronologically at least. Discovering symphonic form in this period is truly a treat to anyone adventuresome enough to discover "new music," and especially if, as the previous reviewer noted, you wish to step beyond "the greats" of the eighteenth century. Although I certainly appreciate (and like) what later romantic composers did for symphonic form, in many ways I think that turning it into a veritable and collossal religion, as Bruckner and Mahler did, ultimately signaled its long-term demise. Here, with Sammartini, the goals are much more humble, modest. None of these works clock in at much more than ten minutes or so. The respect for form and pithy statements are refreshing, I find. Clearly delineated melodies surge and then disappear, leaving me wanting more, not looking at my watch, asking "how much longer?" Viva Sammartini!



So many gifted Italian composers have been neglected by posterity, it's truly a crime. Perhaps it's the result of what popular myth believes Salieri allegedly did to Mozart, (he didn't, although he certainly didn't "help" the child prodigy as an adult). Perhaps it's because the Italians so long dominated the musical traditions of Europe, others grew weary of their might. Perhaps it was the transition by which composers became less artisans and more demi-gods in their own right. I don't really know. But I do hold a grudge against my Music Appreciation teachers and their textbooks that never mentioned Sammartini, and gave us a simplified lineage of Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and little else. I greatly admire all of those composers just mentioned, but....



As a general rule-of-thumb, if you are looking to expand your palette of composers, start with Sammartini, and then gravitate toward all individuals whose last name ends with the letter "i." For example: Galuppi, Tartini, Locatelli, Albioni, Guerini, Torelli, Veracini, to name a few. Then, for variety's sake, throw in Porpora and Durante. I am joking, but not completely.



Listening to this recording, while writing this review, I almost forgot to mention that the First Movement (Presto) of Symphony No. 62 is worth its weight in gold. The horn harmonies and rhythmic accents are stunning!"

Sammartini: relatively unknown, but shouldn't be

Eric Peterson | Slovakia | 04/10/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Nice upbeat and very lively symphonies from a relatively unknown composer. You won't be bored listening to this. If you have more than a passing interest in Baroque music, and want to hear something more than the usual Bach and Vivaldi, then you should get this.



I rated it 4 stars instead of 5, only because I wish this CD had been recorded by the Cappella Istropolitana. The first 3 tracks are also available on Italian Baroque Favorites (highly recommended) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000148U

which is recorded by the Cappella Istropolitana, and to me those tracks are more lively and crisp than on this CD."