Alfredo D’Ambrosio (1871-1914) was born in Naples. His initial studies were at the Naples Conservatory, where he studied violin with Giuseppe Pinto and composition with Enrico Bossi, after which he continued his violin studies with Pablo de Sarasate in Madrid and then with August Wilhelmj in London. He spent most of his life in Nice, where he became a prominent teacher and leader of a well-known string quartet. Several of his works for violin were popularized by violinists such as Sarasate, Heifetz, Elman, Kreisler, and many others. He was also a prominent arranger and editor, and still is known today for his work in these areas. Besides numerous works for violin, including two concertos, he wrote an opera, Pia de Tolomei, a ballet, Ersilia, a string quintet, and a string quartet.
His Suite was composed in 1900 by which time d'Ambrosio was living in the southern French city of Nice on account of his fragile health. The work was dedicated to Antonio Gautier, a famous collector of rare Italian string instruments who was also living in Nice. This gorgeous work is in four movements. Brimming with lovely melodies, one can well imagine that this is the sort of work Franz Schubert might have penned if he had been alive in 1900. The opening movement, Andante, begins with a sad and dramatic passage in the first cello; the main section is like a lyrical love song. The playful second movement, Scherzo allegro moderato, is light-hearted and filled with interesting effects and surprises. Third comes a Berceuse andante molto moderato played muted. It sounds rather like a cradle song with its main theme, which creates a rocking effect. The finale, Introduction maestoso--allegro moderato, opens with a densely written and somewhat dark introduction. The main section is lively, restless, and conveys a sense of nervous energy.
In our opinion, this is a modern masterwork that surely belongs in concert. Highly recommended and not just to professionals, but also to amateur ensembles.