Description

When Giuseppe Sammartini (1693-1770) arrived in London from Milan, he was one of many Italian musicians who saw their future in Anglo-Saxon terrain. He soon enjoyed an excellent reputation as oboist in London. Sammartini was also esteemed as a composer of instrumental music. This recording gives sonic form to the fascinating breadth of his art. Brilliant concerti can be heard next to spirited and charming sonatas. The tonal and stylistic variety is astonishing, from the French and Italian high Baroque styles to the newer galant and even pre-classical styles. The Montreal-based flute duet Ensemble Caprice teams up here with renowned Baroque ensemble Rebel for fireworks of flautistic flourishes.