Sgambati: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2

Featuring

Ola Rudner
Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen
Giovanni Sgambati

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Composer Biography

Giovanni Sgambati, an Italian composer, was considered a child prodigy and was praised by Franz Liszt as an "exceptional and true artist."

Recording & Production

The original full score of Sgambati's Symphony No. 2 was lost, and a new score had to be painstakingly reconstructed from orchestral parts by Roz Trübger, who made multiple trips to Rome for the task.

Composer Biography

Sgambati is credited with introducing the works of German composers like Beethoven, Chopin, and Schumann to Italian audiences, who were initially reluctant to listen to non-Italian music due to nationalist sentiment.

Composition History

Sgambati's works remained unpublished until Richard Wagner heard some of his chamber pieces in 1876 and immediately sent a letter of recommendation to the Schott publishing house.

Composition History

Sgambati's Symphony No. 2 in E flat minor was never fully heard by the composer during his lifetime; its first complete performance took place at his memorial service in January 1915.

Composer Biography

Franz Liszt, deeply impressed by Sgambati, took him on as a pupil and later taught all his Rome students at Sgambati's home, fostering a close artistic relationship and friendship.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Sgambati's compositional style blended the vocal qualities of his Italian heritage with the structural landscapes of German Romanticism, distinguishing him from his operatic contemporaries like Verdi and Puccini.