EARLY ITALIAN VIOLONCELLO MUSIC
Played by JULIETTE Alvin
THE name of this composer which is merely a form of St. Martin, is very common in Italy, and no one can say how many Sammartinis there have been in the world of music throughout the ages. But there were two who established a real contact with this country, and one of them, Giuseppe, lived here for many years, playing and composing. For a time he held the post of Director of Chamber Music in the household of the Prince of Wales, and was evidently a welcome figure alike in Society and in musical circles. We call him Sammartini of London to distinguish him from his brother.
Giovanni, some seven years younger than the London one, is called Sammartini of Milan. Although he himself, so far as we know, was never in London, many of his Sonatas were published here by the old London firm of Simpson. Our Dr. Burney speaks of Sammartini's producing an ' incredible number of spirited and agreeable compositions,' adding that in 1770 he was master of the music ' of more than half the churches in the city, for which he furnished Masses upon all the great Festivals.'