I Musici Excel with Sammartini Concerti

This release is the first complete recording of Giuseppe Sammartini's Op. 2 Concertos. These concerti had disappointing sales when first published. But by the late 1740s, the collection was selling quite well --especially in England.

Sammartini's concertos artfully balance between extremes. They have robust polyphonic sections, yet remain transparent. They can be played by amateurs, yet there is plenty of substance for professionals to dig into. They're intellectual in construction, yet they're full of emotion.

The venerable authentic performance ensemble I Musici neatly capture the essence of these works. Their performances are both measured and exciting. The energy of this ensemble gives the allegro movements a snap.

In the early days of Dynamic, I wasn't a big fan of the label. The recordings always seemed to sound a little murky. Not so with this release. The recording quality is quite good, letting me hear some of the finer details of the ensemble's playing. I have no reservations recommending this release.

Giuseppe Sammartini
6 Concertos in 7 Parts, Op. 2
I Musici
Dynamic CDS 7777