Sgambati, Giovanni (1841–1914)

Italian pianist and composer. He was influential in reviving the popularity of non-operatic music in Italy, and established important orchestral and chamber concerts for the cultivation of serious music in Rome.

He studied at Trevi in Umbria and in Rome, and was a pupil of Liszt, the premieres of whose Dante Symphony and Christus he later conducted. In 1869 he visited Germany and first heard works by Wagner, whom he met in Rome in 1876 and who induced his publisher, Schott, to bring out some of Sgambati's works.

Works Orchestral symphony in D and E flat major, Epitalamio sinfonico, overture Cola di Rienzi, and Festival Overture for orchestra; piano concerto in G minor.

Chambeer string quartet, two piano quintets.

Other piano music, Requiem.