Piano Quintets & String Quartets

Giovanni Sgambati (1841‐1914) was an important composer of 19th century Italy. A pupil and disciple of Franz Liszt he was one of the most brilliant pianists of his day. However, he was a composer, a conductor, a teacher and a patron as well, composing symphonies and chamber music in a country where opera was predominant.

Sgambati's musical language is romantic pur sang. Rooted in the German tradition of Mendelssohn and Schumann he was further influenced by his great mentor Franz Liszt and by Wagner (as so many in that age). This 2CD set contains two string quartets and the two piano quintets, impressive works of substantial length, richly textured and full of instrumental virtuosity. Excellent performances by Italian forces, the great pianist Alberto Plano (a Van Cliburn Competition winner) and the Quartetto Noferini.

Luca Scandali is an Italian organist who won, among other accolades, first prize at the Twelfth Paul Hofhaimer International Organ Competition in Innsbruck, a prize awarded only four times during the competition's 40-year history.