Were the Italians serious composers like the Germans? (feat. William Rothstein) 

Never knew this.

Yeah Germans got very caught up with themselves - it's the tyranny of considering oneself "more civilized" - all cultures are susceptible to this dangerous conceit. Check out the "Rossiniana" for guitar. Some of the only jointly composed pieces in the classical repertoire. Jointly composed at Rossini's villa in Italy by Paganini, Giuliani, and Rossini!

Die Antwort ist Ja. Ein Tausend mal Ja.