Andrea Albertin, Tamburini/Bonato organ, S Lorenzo Cathedral, Abano Terme, Padua

DA VINCI CLASSICS ★★★

Italian composer David Fontanesi composed his four sonatas for organ in 2021. Somewhat unusual, they feature much densely woven (mostly fugal) counterpoint, sometimes based on lively themes, but so firmly grounded in tonal, if occasionally tortuous, harmony that they might well have been composed in the second half of the 19th century (and then in Germany). The odd Gigout-like scherzo (Sonata II) or slightly vapid toccata (Sonata IV) provides contrast. However, even if all the ingredients of the cake are present, the result is somehow unconvincing, as if the composer wants to show us his technical skill without taking us on any kind of journey. Indeed, it’s rather like listening to a series of composition exercises. Andrea Albertin plays with great technical control but the large Tamburini/Bonato organ becomes harsh and inelegant the louder it gets, to the point of unpleasantness when the chamades are used in chorus.