Sgambati's last collection of pieces, following the Schumann model, includes a dozen individually-named works in Sgambati's unique character and style. Considered by Spada to be a late-Romantic composer, "born out of the fertile humus left by Chopin, Schumann, Liszt (his mentor and friend) and Wagner," Sgambati's Melodie Poetiche is a worthy bridge between the Romantic period and the music forever changed by Debussy. This piece is a challenge for advancing students.