As a student of Natalucci, who studied with Zingarelli, Sgambati became an excellent and renowned pianist who was not only able to study counterpoint with Aldega but able to become the protege of Liszt. The influence of Liszt, as well as Mendelssohn, Chopin and Schumann, are apparent in his compositions. Though offered a number of positions outside of Italy, including a position at the Moscow Conservatory, Sgambati inevitably turned them down wanting to stay involved in the music of Rome. He was a successful pianist who was known and respected and enabled to open a piano school for poor students. Sgambati is most important for being a major persona in the return of instrumental composing to Italy. Compositions by Sgambati demonstrate originality, motion, fluidity, and ever changing characteristics at once with unusual rhythms and at other times with untried dissonances. His "Requiem" was played at the funerals of Italian dignitaries and royalty on a number of occasions. ~ Keith Johnson