A while back, I posted a Dover reissue of conductor-musicologist Newell Jenkins leading music of Boccherini and Cambini. At the time, there was quite favorable feedback so I thought I'd offer another Jenkins momento, this time being music of Giovanni Battista Sammartini. Jenkins was instrumental in resurrecting Sammartini from oblivion and the former edited much of this composer's work during the 50's and 60's.
Sammartini's work inhabits that period between the late baroque and early classical stage, as musical styles were changing, rather dramatically in my opinion. This music, diifferent them a baroque sinfonia or suite, is quite easy on the ear and tuneful even if it does not meet the inspirational levels of say a Stamitz family member or Haydn. What is important is that Sammartini was an important figure in the development of the symphony as he sought a foundation for the symphony on sonata form and away from the Italian-French overtures beloved of the Baroque period. One could say that Sammartini as a theorist was more vital than Sammartini the composer, an argument that could be made for Sammartini's direct contemporary Johann Friedrich Fux. Still, Sammartini's music is engaging enough to warrant a listen and Jenkins was certainly a devoted and tireless advocate.
Jenkins leads the Orchestra Accademia dell'Orso in these performances. It is a solid, if by no means exceptional ensemble much like the Angelicum Orchestra that Jenkins also led in numerous performances. The recording is mono and my issue is the Dover pressing, though the Period Records cover is pictured above.
DOWNLOAD