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The four surviving symphonies of Franz Berwald (1796-1868) of Sweden, who managed a glass factory to finance his composition and his writings, now occupy an important place in the history of nineteenth century symphony.

Under B, you will discover one of the most fascinating musical figures of the last turn-of-the-century. Italian-born composer Ferrucio Busoni (1866-1924) was a wonder child who became a protégé of the cantankerous Johannes Brahms. The troubled, hard-drinking and womanizing genius composed what is termed 'music which gives the soul wings'. His haunting Ambumblatt for Piano and Flute, on the Chamber Music CD by Capriccio Records, is considered by many scholars to be the best piece ever written for this instrument combination. Or try the Violin Sonatas 1 and 2. You will find a true genius whose main reason for not being as widely known as Brahms and Bruckner is because he -- absurdly -- wanted to be German instead of Italian, and moved to Berlin from Italy at the height of his career. Eventually, he drank and smoked himself to death. Nowadays he is best known as a piano virtuoso but his chamber music deserves checking out, too.

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