MARTINI - Sonata in C Major (Historical Organ) Leonart

A live in concert performance recording of Nenad Leonart playing the C Major Sonata by Martini on the historical Organ in Zernez, Graubünden (CH). The instrument was built by Joseph Lochner in 1742, an organ builder from Feldkirch, with 10 registers and a manual and a pedal with a short octave, in the "old church" San Mauritius. This lovely keyboard sonata in C Major (both for harpsichord as well as organ) was written by Martini in the 18th century, so it's played on a contemporary instrument, so to speak – it audibly contains an Italian influence. Giovanni Battista or Giambattista Martini, (24 April 1706 – 3 August 1784), also known as Padre Martini, was an Italian Conventual Franciscan friar, who was a leading musician, composer, and music historian of the period. He is best known today as a mentor of Mozart. More About Giovanni Battista Martini: The Scholar, Teacher, and Musical Visionary Giovanni Battista Martini (1706–1784), born in Bologna, was one of the most influential composers, music theorists, and teachers of the 18th century. From an early age, Martini showed immense musical promise. His father, Antonio Maria Martini, a skilled violinist, introduced him to music, while further training in singing and harpsichord came from Padre Pradieri. Honing his skills in counterpoint under Antonio Riccieri and Giacomo Antonio Perti, he laid the foundation for his future as a master of composition. At just 19, Martini was appointed chapel master at the prestigious Basilica of San Francesco in Bologna. Despite his young age, his compositions garnered widespread admiration, and he soon became a central figure in Bologna’s music scene. Martini’s passion for teaching led him to establish a renowned school of composition, attracting students from across Europe. Among his most famous pupils were Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Christian Bach, André Ernest Modeste Grétry, and the celebrated cellist Giovanni Battista Cirri. Beyond his teaching, Martini was an avid collector of musical literature. His personal library grew to an astonishing 17,000 volumes, one of the largest collections of its kind at the time. After his death, much of this invaluable archive became part of the Museo Internazionale della Musica in Bologna, preserving his legacy for future generations. Martini was not only a teacher and collector but also a prolific composer and scholar. His sacred works, including oratorios, sonatas, and church music, remain a testament to his devotion to both faith and art. His most significant writings include *Storia della musica*, a monumental study of ancient music, and *Esemplare di contrappunto*, a detailed exploration of counterpoint enriched with examples from masters of the Italian and Spanish schools. Though some critics found his academic style overly dense, his theoretical works remain essential reading for scholars of music history. Martini’s canons, celebrated for their intellectual wit and complexity, showcase his playful yet deeply analytical approach to composition. Admired by figures like Leopold Mozart and Luigi Cherubini, Giovanni Battista Martini’s contributions to music theory, education, and scholarship continue to resonate today. His life serves as a bridge between the traditions of ancient music and the emerging styles of the classical era, securing his place among the great minds of Western music history. *** If you enjoyed this content, make sure to subscribe to my channel and don't miss out on the next recordings! Also, feel free to check out my website and social for special news etc. [Leonart Music] ► free concert tickets & exciting news: https://leonart.com/newsletter For more content, see here: ► Patreon https://leonart.com/patreon for unreleased recordings ► YouTube https://leonart.com/youtube for full-length content ► Twitch https://leonart.com/twitch for interactive live-streams For your daily dose of Baroque music, go to: ► Instagram https://leonart.com/instagram ► TikTok https://leonart.com/tiktok ► Facebook https://leonart.com/facebook You can also find all relevant links in your browser at https://leonart.com/linktree * * * * * * * * * * * * * 📜LEONART MUSIC: 🎹 The channel to bring you beautiful harpsichord music and baroque organ music. 🎹 ______________ #martini #sonata #organ #leonart #leonartmusic #baroque #earlymusic #zernez #lochner #organist