Like many musicians, Giovanni Sgambati was at first destined for a lawyer´s career, but began his musical studies in time to become known as a boy-prodigy. He settled in Rome, and soon grew famous as a pianist. He played Beethoven, Schumann and Chopin, and did much to introduce their works into Italy. In 1866 he formed an orchestra in Rome and conducted the first Italian perfomances of Beethoven´s Eroica Symphony and Liszt´s Dante Symphony. He also introduced Beethoven´s Emperor Concerto, playing the solo part himself. He planned a trip to Germany, but when Liszt came to Rome he remained there to study under that great master. At this time his earlier compositions, mostly chamber works, brought him into notice in a new field. These quartets and quintets were followed by a festival overture, a piano concerto, and symphonies in succession. In 1876 he founded the Liceo of Roma and conducted the quintet of Queen Margarita. His compositions are somewhat lacking in spontaneity, but they display great learning, and undeniable skill. His works show the influence of Liszt and Berlioz, mingles with the stricter style of the old Italian contrapuntal writers.