GIOVANNI SGAMBATI

(Sgahm-bah'-te)

SGAMBATI was born in Rome, May 28, 1848. His father was an Italian lawyer, and his mother the daughter of an English sculptor. He was intended for the legal profession, but rejected it in favor of music, Barberi was his first teacher, and after the death of his father, in 1849, he removed to Trevi, where he became a pupil of Natalucci, a graduate of the Naples conservatory. Sgambati removed to Rome in 1860, and soon established himself as a pianist and conductor and composer of marked ability. He introduced many famous works of Beethoven, Schumann, Chopin and other noted composers which were unknown to Roman audiences. Liszt was impressed with his ability, and in l876 Wagner was present at a concert where some of Sgambati's compositions were given. Wagner was much interested in them, and was instrumental in having two quintets and other works published in Germany. Sgambati has played and conducted in London, Paris and other important music centers, where he is much appreciated. His compositions include some excellent chamber music, a concerto for piano and orchestra, a symphony and other orchestral music. He has also written songs and shorter piano pieces, including the popular Gavotte in A flat minor and the Vecchio Minuette. Sgambati has won many distinctions at home and abroad, and has exerted marked influence on Italian music.