In the next few weeks, we descend from the high north of the Scandinavian countries to the sunny south of Italy. But even there, many composers learned the tricks of the trade north of the Alps, such as Antonio Bazzini (1818-1897), and later, Ferruccio Busoni. Bazzini composed several string quartets which show his predilection for German chamber music. Among these, one of his last works in this genre: String Quartet in C minor, opus 80 from 1892
Quartet in C-sharp minor, opus 12 (1882) of Giovanni Sgambati (1841-1914), is at least as appealing and little Italian. It has been released by Schott under opus number 17.
Antonio Bazzini – String Quartet in C minor, opus 80 (1892)
(1) Allegro appassionato, (2) Andante, (3) Intermezzo: Allegretto con moto, (4) Allegro agitato – Vivace con fuozo
Performing musicians: Quartetto d’Archi di Venezia
CD: Dynamic
Giovanni Sgambati – String Quartet in C-sharp minor, opus 12/17 (1882)
(1) Adagio – Vivace ma non troppo, (2) Prestissimo, (3) Andante sostenuto, (4) Allegro
Performing musicians: Quartetto Noferini
CD: Brilliant Classics
