Sgambati: Symphony No. 1 Rome Symphony Orchestra & Francesco La Vecchia

• 1 Cola di Rienzo 18:20
• 2 I. Allegro vivace, non troppo 10:29
• 3 II. Andante mesto 11:11
• 4 III. Scherzo: Presto 05:47
• 5 IV. Serenata: Andante 07:47
• 6 V. Finale: Allegro con fuoco 07:49
• Total Runtime 01:01:23

Info for Sgambati: Symphony No. 1

Giovanni Sgambati was one of the most important figures in the Renaissance of Italian instrumental music that began in the latter half of the nineteenth century. Wagner arranged the publication of his first chamber works, calling him ‘a true, great and original talent’. Sgambati’s blending of Italianate lyricism and German rigour led to large-scale works of real historical significance. His overture Cola di Rienzo exemplifies his richness of characterization while the First Symphony is a major statement of breadth and intensity, admired by Grieg and Saint-Saëns, and often conducted by Toscanini.

'Containing five movements arranged in a perfect “arch” form…there’s nothing that sounds quite like it in the entire 19th century literature. The scoring, for standard forces plus two harps, piccolo, but no extra percussion or other exotica, is pellucidly clear and “alive” ...the outer movements really move; they have no dead spots and no single movement outstays its welcome. Sample ... the gorgeous melody from the second movement (Andante mesto) for strings ... and harps. Here is true Italian lyricism in a symphonic context—just lovely. The performances are very good. Francesco La Vecchia shapes the symphony quite effectively, choosing tempos that convey the music’s easy-going energy and winning lyricism with complete confidence ... the Rome Symphony Orchestra plays quite well, especially the woodwinds, who have a lot of important solo work.“ (David Hurwitz - ClassicsToday.com)

'...these performances are emotionally charged. There’s an enthusiasm tempered with attention to rhythmic and dynamic detail that gives this forgotten music a new lease on life... the recordings are quite consistent and project a moderately wide but deep soundstage in a reverberant acoustic that will appeal to those liking wetter sonics. The orchestral timbre is generally musical...' (Bob McQuiston - Classical Lost and Found)

Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma
Francesco La Vecchia, conductor

Recorded at the Auditorium di Via Conciliazione, Rome, 16th-17th October 2011 (track 1) and 4th-5th December 2011 (tracks 2-6)
Produced by Fondazione Arts Academy
Engineered and edited by Piero Schiavoni

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Booklet for Sgambati: Symphony No. 1