Guido Alberto Fano (1875-1961) lived and worked in Germany and Austria, where he developed as a composer and as a pianist. After his time there, he held important posts at the conservatories of Milan and Naples, and had the respect and admiration of several popular composers, namely Richard Strauss. The Piano Sonata in E is a highly technical work, composed in the late romantic style. It remains one of the most influential Italian piano sonatas. Pietro de Maria performs these works, and is one of Italy’s most notable pianists. He has also recorded the complete piano works of Chopin.