Kalevi Kiviniemi plays Suonatina F by Padre Davide da Bergamo

Kalevi Kiviniemi plays Suonatina F by the Italian composer Padre Davide da Bergamo. The organ used here is a historic Serassi organ, opus 603 from the year 1851. It is located in the church of San Biagio in the town Caprino Bergamasco, Italy. Padre Davide da Bergamo (1791-1863), Father David from Bergamo was born Felice Moretti. A pupil of Simon Mayr, he was a church organist In Bergamo at the age of 17. Felice became a friar and took the name Padre Davide. He moved to Piacenza where he served as organist of the Convent of St. Mary for 45 years. In his time, Padre Davide was a well-known organist and teacher, travelling widely. He was a respected authority in organ-building, and was often in close collaboration with the Serassi brothers. Thus one can rightfully claim than Padre Davide's music is the most authentic music for this Serassi organ. Padre Davide da Bergamo was a very prolific composert: for the organ he is said to have composed 60 symphonies, 230 sonatas, over a hundred elevations, 1068 versetti etc. The style of Padre Davide's music is unconventional for organ music. It could be described as colourful, theatrical operatic music. Text: Petri Vähätalo Audio, phography & editing Mika Koivusalo © Mika Koivusalo 2003/2025