The stylistic predecessor of Joseph Haydn was the Italian composer Giovanni Battista Sammartini
Giovanni Battista Sammartini was born in Milan in 1700 or 1701, the seventh of eight children of French emigrant and oboist Alexis Saint-Martin and Girolama de Federici.
The future publisher was given basic musical education by his father. Sammartini’s first compositions were several vocal works which she composed in 1725; however, it has not survived to this day. In 1728, Sammartini obtained the position of bandleader of the congregation, and in the following years he soon became famous as a church composer. In the 1830s, he became known beyond the borders of Italy and was gradually active in several churches, composing music that was played on state occasions and in noble houses. Although he never moved far away, he came into contact with many important composers of his time, including Bach, Mozart, Boccherini and Gluck, who was also his student. Sammartini died unexpectedly in 1775. Although highly regarded in his time, his music fell into oblivion very quickly after his death.
Sammartini is appreciated above all for his innovations in the development of the symphony. His approach to symphonic composition was unique in that he drew influence from the trio sonata and concerto forms, unlike other composers of the time who composed symphonies based on Italian overtures. His symphonies followed rhythm and clearer form, and his works adopted the direction of classical music. Josef Mysliveček even considered Sammartini “the father of Haydn’s style”. However, he is often confused with his older brother Giuseppe, who was a similarly prolific composer, though of equal fame and influence, and ended up in the service of Frederick, Prince of Wales.
He will reveal more and offer music samples Martina Klausová in the program, which will premiere in Friday, January 13 at 7 p.m. You can listen to the replays on Sunday 15.1. at 9:00 a.m. and Wednesday 18.1. at 10:00 p.m.
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