Sgambati Symphonies 1 & 2

[Revilod]

I don't know these symphonies yet but am surprised to read that Rob Barnett believes that Sgambati's symphonies "considerably outstripped" Liszt's symphonies? Liszt wasn't primarily a symphonist but his "Faust" Symphony is amongst the finest and certainly most original 19th century symphonies. Do Sgambati's symphonies really outstrip it?

[Mark Thomas]

How can one make a valid comparison? Rob must have been carried away by his enthusiasm. Sgambati's symphonies are fine works, but they're absolute music, whereas the Faust Symphony is programme music, its three movements a linked series of symphonic portraits. It's a masterful composition and I'm sure that Sgambati himself would never have felt that he'd outstripped it.

[Alan Howe]

No, the comparison's a poor one. What is important to recognise, though, is that Sgambati's sound-world is recognisably in the progressive camp - down to the Siegfried-style horn whoops in the finale of No.2!

[Kevin]

I was blown away by these performances and the works themselves. Very individual, sounding like no one else. Superb Tchaikovsky-like orchestration too. Check out his requiem which is also very appealing.

[adriano]

Not to speak about his Piano Concerto (coupled with two Overtures on the Tactus label) and his Piano Quintets and String Quartets (On Brilliant Classics)!

[Kevin]

I will look into them, thanks!

[adriano]

Jorge Bolet, who plays the Sgambati Concerto on that old Genesis LP (reprocessed later on CD) is much better - and virtuoso-like - than Francesco Caramiello on Tactus. Alas, in both recordings the Nuremberg Orchestra is accompanying on a not too high satisfactory level... I've just listened to them both. The orchestral instruments' parts are, at times, rather demanding.

[Kevin]

I appreciate you taking the time to sample them, I think I'll just stick to his Piano Quintets and quartets for now.