[...] I wish very earnestly to recommend to you for publication two quintets (a pianoforte and a string quartet) by Signor Sgambati (of Rome). Liszt having previously drawn my attention to this composer and exceptionally talented pianist, I have now had the very real pleasure of discovering a truly great and original talent which, since it is somewhat out of place in Rome (?!), I would gladly introduce to the greater musical world. On my advice he is to go very shortly to Vienna, and thence to travel throughout Germany playing his own compositions. I promise myself excellent results therefrom, after the dullness of modern German chamber-music (even Brahms', etc.). For the present I recommend you, as I have said, the two quintets which I have had played to me a number of times. Please take them up with all speed and encourage this very fine musician by offering a moderate honorarium. If you are disinclined to do so I shall look elsewhere. [...]
Source: Letters of Richard Wagner, Vol. 2, selected and ed. Wilhelm Altmann, trans. M. M. Bozman (J. M. Dent & Sons, 1927), No. 693