Giovanni (1701-1775) and Guiseppe (1693-1750) Sammartini were brothers from Milan who both became major players in the world of 18th century music. Giovanni lived and worked all his life in Milan and became chapel master to a number of churches. He was active in all genres, including opera and symphonies, and he produced a large body of sonatas and trios. His most famous pupil was Gluck. Giovanni was a leading composer in the development of the classical style.

Guiseppe was a virtuoso oboist as well as a composer. In contrast to his brother, he travelled extensively, settling in London in the 1720s, joining the opera orchestra. He eventually became Director of the Chamber Musicians to Frederick, Prince of Wales. His output included the music to Congreve’s masque The Judgement of Paris, oratorios and a large quantity of sonatas and trio, and concerti grossi for flute or oboe. Although more a ‘man of the world’ than his brother, Guiseppe was the more conservative composer and his music is late baroque in style, with the influence of Geminiani, Handel and Corelli apparent.

This CD brings together sonatas by both brothers, plus a concerto by Guiseppe for recorder and strings. The Sammartini’s were at the cutting edge of 18th century music during the transition from the baroque to the classical age.