Giovanni Sammartini

Baroque Italian Composer and Oboist

Giovanni Battista Sammartini (c. 1700 – 1775) was an Italian composer, oboist, and organist who is often credited with contributing to the formation of the Classical style in music during the transition from the late Baroque. He was a prolific composer, particularly known for his instrumental works, including symphonies, concertos, and chamber music. Sammartini's influence was significant in the development of the symphonic form, and he was highly regarded by contemporaries such as Gluck and Mozart. Although he spent most of his life in Milan, his music circulated widely in Europe and had a considerable impact on the Mannheim school of composers. His works are characterized by lively rhythms and melodic inventiveness.