Roffredo Caetani's String Quartet No.2 in f minor appeared in 1907. The opening movement, Allegro moderato, later Allegro, has two themes, one quite dramatic, the other lyrical. This powerful movement is full of original ideas. The leisurely middle movement, Molto lento, recalls the religious music of the Catholic service. The finale, Presto, has Slavic overtones. The whole thing is excellently done. The Quartet plays easily and sounds good. It can be recommended both for concert and to amateur players
—the famous chamber music critic Wilhelm Altmann, writing in his Handbook for String Quartet Players.
Roffredo Caetani (1871-1961) was born in Rome. He was an Italian aristocrat, eventually holding the titles of Prince of Bassett and Duke of Sermoneta. His father had been mayor of Rome at one time and served as president of the Rome Philharmonic. Franz Liszt was his godfather, and it was Liszt who recognized the boy's musical talent and sent him to one of his favorite students, the piano virtuoso and one of Italy's leading composers, Giovanni Sgambati. Caetani studied piano and composition with Sgambati. He then continued his studies in Vienna, where he got to know Brahms, and later in Berlin. Though not a prolific composer, he wrote operas, orchestral works, and two string quartets. He taught at the conservatory in Rome, which had been founded by Sgambati but was also active as a patron of the arts.
Unquestionably original and fresh-sounding, the work requires players of professional standard or experienced amateur ensemble players. It is a fine work deserving of performance and is sure to make a strong impression on its audience. Long out of print, we are pleased to make it available once more.