Fabio Bonizzoni plays the organ in Isera, Rovereto (Italy)
GLOSSA GCD 921505
63'18"

Fabio Bonizzoni has recorded and directed here four concertos as well as two solo sonatas by Giuseppe Sammartini (1695-1750) on an instrument in the Trentino region dating from 1802 in Vallotti temperament. This organ was restored in 2001 by Ruffatti. A native of Milan and accomplished oboist, Sammartini left Italy in 1728 and spent the rest of his life in England. The ‘Concertos for the Harpsichord or Organ’ opus 9 appeared four years after the composer’s death. The concertos are scored for keyboard, two violins and bass. The performances here are really excellent. The string playing by La Risonanza is very stylish, beautifully phrased and articulated. The organ playing is equally strong with a good variety of registrations. The CD booklet omits an organ specification but is otherwise comprehensive. I found that the sonatas suffered a little from a close recording. Overall, however, I can recommend this disc without reservation.

GMS