Respighi: Pines of Rome, etc

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Whichever other Respighi tone poem recordings you ultimately purchase, you MUST own this one. Since the early ‘60s it has been the standard by which all others have been judged, and in terms of both sound and performance, it has never really been surpassed. The final march of Pines is simply incredible: thundering bass drum, crashing cymbals and gongs, bellowing brass--nobody since has brought the whole thing off with the same combination of excitement and discipline. The performance of La Mer has similar virtues. Fritz Reiner was a podium tyrant, but a tremendous musician all the same. This may be his finest recording. --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

La Mer: From Dawn Till Noon On The Sea
La Mer: Play Of The Waves
La Mer: Dialogue Of The Wind And The Sea
Fountains Of Rome: The Fountain Of Valle Giulia At Dawn
Fountains Of Rome: The Triton Fountain At Morning
Fountains Of Rome: The Fountain Of Trevi At Midday
Fountains Of Rome: The Villa Medici Fountain At Sunset
Pines Of Rome: The Pines Of The Villa Borghese
Pines Of Rome: Pines Near A Catacomb
Pines Of Rome: The Pines Of The Janiculum
Pines Of Rome: The Pines Of The Appian Way

Amazon.com

Whichever other Respighi tone poem recordings you ultimately purchase, you MUST own this one. Since the early `60s it has been the standard by which all others have been judged, and in terms of both sound and performance, it has never really been surpassed. The final march of Pines is simply incredible: thundering bass drum, crashing cymbals and gongs, bellowing brass--nobody since has brought the whole thing off with the same combination of excitement and discipline. The performance of La Mer has similar virtues. Fritz Reiner was a podium tyrant, but a tremendous musician all the same. This may be his finest recording. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A classic.......2007-06-19

This is the only recording of the Pines I've heard where the trumpets play the fanfare in the first section open instead of muted as written. It never sounds right to me when played muted and makes every other recording disappointing. This is again the case in the trumpet solo in the beginning of the 3rd movement of La Mer in which Adolph Herseth plays the first line muted and the repeated line open. I've owned about five versions of this recording going back to records that I wore out playing. I have yet to hear a better version, although there are those with more modern sound quality. Still, the three-channel SACD is an improvement over any previous mix.

The Triumph of Chicago .......2005-07-20

Yes, I too despise recordings earlier than about 1970. The recording quality tends to be annoyingly muddy. I did hear remakable things about this recording, however, some of them I even read here at Amazon. And since I revere the CSO anyway( they are my favorite) I decided I would take a chance. When I listened to Pines, it gave me goosebumps. Sure, more contemporary recordings of the CSO have more in-your-face brass but for the year this was recorded in, it is astounding. The more and more I listened to Pines of the Appian Way, the more thunderstruck I was. The brass blaze a trail that the rest of the orchestra follows. It is an awesome testimony to power of music and the fiery passions it can stir up.

Honestly, however, when I first listened to Fountains, I was not impressed. The orchestral playing was of course first-rate but I thought the music was boring and restless with no clear direction. After a day or so, I decided to listen to it again, reasoning that it was I who was wrong. I did and I liked it. Not as exciting as Pines(the whole work) and Pines of the Appian Way, but it is still a good piece wonderfully performed, just sit and listen to everything.

Only this Respighi and nothing else........2004-04-05

Fritz Reiner surprises me here, despite his infamous reputation of being a tyranical, manipulative conductor whom his Chicago musicians had a hard time working with. That is because his handling of Respighi's Pines and Fountains of Rome are one of the finest recordings I've ever heard. There are the usual trademarks of precise and exciting playing, as demonstrated by the piece, pines by Villa Borghese. An average listener might felt ambushed by another typical Disney soundtract, except this sounds most exciting. The Pines at Janiculum and the Villa Medici Fountain at Sunset is Fritz Reiner at his most delicate and finest moment. Surprising, again since such warmth is unheard of a conductor of Reiner's reputation. I don't think I would want to own any other recordings of these magnificent works.

Very Justified Label of "Benchmark".......2004-02-23

Well, to begin, I'll say that I find the three musical compositions featured here to be splendid works. Respighi's journal of the sights of Rome as well as Debussy's accounts of his trips on the Mediterranean are irresistable tone poems that all classical music fans appreciate

And of course, the Chicago Symphony, whom you can just argue is the greatest American orchestra ever, puts in another terrific performance, as you would definately expect them to. The legendary Fritz Reiner was conductor of the CSO from 1951 to 1962, a golden period in the orchestra's history. Heiner was certainly a demanding leader, and it showed whenever recording sessions took place. A perfectionalist, he wanted control over all aspects and made sure himself that he received satisfactory results.

In the program booklet that comes with this CD, an excellent account is included of downtown Chicago's Orchestra Hall on October 24, 1959, when Reiner led his ensemble to a tremendous performance of Respighi's Pines and Fountains of Rome. The article is a very interesting read on the details of the recording session.

Now, as for the CD itself, the aged recording would of course raise the attention of the listening. While technology has definately surpassed what had been available back then, the sound is however very acceptable. This album indeed still remains one for the ages.

I want to be buried with this CD!.......2003-07-21

An NPR program once listed the best recordings of Respighi's works. The announcer made it a point to slam Respighi's compositions in every way possible (he even said that he found it fitting that the word "pig" was in Respighi!) but when all was said and done, he still ranked this recording as the undisputed master. I have owned several CDs of "Pines" and have slowly gotten rid of all but this one. NO recording of that piece has ever come close to Reiner's. The offstage brass are actually located on risers around the group and sound very "offstage" when they're supposed to be, but at the end of "Pines of the Appian Way", they are blazing at a volume that can compete with the brass on the stage. The intensity of the brass sound at ridiculous volume without sounding distored or harsh in any way is amazing-especially given the "prehistoric" techniques used in the recording. The string sound is beautiful throughout the range and the basses are thunderous when they need to be. In the fourth mvt, there are 2 spots in particular that are NEVER heard on other recordings. At 2:02, there is a key change to Bb. It is ushered in by the organ on a pedal Bb. It is marked pp I think, but when listening on good speakers or headphones in this recording, that note wraps around you and pins you down. On most recordings it is inaudible.

Another moment is at 3:34. There is an A in the second trumpet that is never heard for whatever reason, but on this version it is so intense that it will part your hair. There is no subtleness to the finale in this one. It is pure, raw power. I have performed this piece several times and while nothing can ever compare to being in the middle of this tidal wave of sounds all around you, this CD (at a proper, near-deafening level) can evoke those same sensations.

Tracks:

Fontane di Roma-Poema sinfonico: I. La Fontana Di Valle Giulia All'alba
Fontane di Roma-Poema sinfonico: II. La fontana del Tritone al mattino
Fontane di Roma-Poema sinfonico: III. La fontana di Trevi al meriggio
Fontane di Roma-Poema sinfonico: IV. La fontana di Villa Medici al tramonto
Pini di Roma-Poema sinfonico: I. Pini di Villa Borghese
Pini di Roma-Poema sinfonico: II. Pini presso una catacomba
Pini di Roma-Poema sinfonico: III. I pini del gianicolo
Pini di Roma-Poema sinfonico: IV. I pini della via Appia
Antiche danze ed arie per liuto - Libera transcrizione per orchestra, Suite III: 1. Anon.: Italiana. Andantino
Antiche danze ed arie per liuto - Libera transcrizione per orchestra, Suite III: 2. Jean-Baptiste Besard: Arie di corte. Andante cantabile - Allegretto - Vivace - Lento con grande espressione - Allegro vivace - Vivacissimo - Andante cantabile
Antiche danze ed arie per liuto - Libera transcrizione per orchestra, Suite III: 3. Anon.: Siciliana. Andantino
Antiche danze ed arie per liuto - Libera transcrizione per orchestra, Suite III: 4. Ludovico Roncalli: Passacaglia. Maestoso - Vivace
Quintettino La musica notturna delle strade di Madrid op.30 No.6: Introduzione
Quintettino La musica notturna delle strade di Madrid op.30 No.6: Minuetto
Quintettino La musica notturna delle strade di Madrid op.30 No.6: Largo assai, senza rigor di Battuta
Quintettino La musica notturna delle strade di Madrid op.30 No.6: Passacalle
Quintettino La musica notturna delle strade di Madrid op.30 No.6: Ritirata
Adagio G-Moll

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic!.......2007-02-06

I love the Pines of Rome and find this version to be as good as my other benchmark, Reiner's interpretation with the Chicago Symphony in the 60's. Too many conductors feel the need for excessive speed in the opening of this piece, causing it to feel hurried and rushed rather than triumphant. Karjan and Reiner are able to reign in this tendency. The playing is immaculate as well. This is an essential recording of this piece. Buy it.

Soothing Visions of Rome.......2007-02-01

I decided to purchase this particular CD because I did not have these compositions in my collection. I have always loved the works by Respighi, & based on the reputations of Deutsche Grammaphon, Herbert von Karajan & the Berlin Philharmonic I expected the highest quality in performance and interpretation, & they did not disappoint. They are enchanting, soothing, Italian visions of Rome. Listening to the music on this CD makes it possible to take a break & mentally transport yourself to the parks & fountains of Rome.

A Great Compilation.......2006-04-17

If I could choose the 10 best classical albums, this would be one of them. The Boccherini is probably the best part, and sections of it were used in several movies, including Sherlock Holmes: The Case of The Silk Stocking and Master and Commander: The Far Side of The World. The quality of the recording is crystal clear, creating the most enjoyable listening experience. It finishes off with Albinoni and the fabulous Adagio in G Minor, featuring Wolfgang Meyer on the organ. All in all, it's a very nice album, and a joy to listen to.

Karajan's Fine Interpretations Of Respighi's Music.......2001-12-18

I don't wish to deny that this may be one of the finest recordings Karajan made with the Berlin Philharmonic. Not only is the sound quality fine, but more importantly, the Berlin Philharmonic plays with ample technical precision and warmth. Still, Karajan's interpretations lack the vibrancy I have heard in recent recordings by Dutoit and Maazel; they tend to be sluggish in their tempi, most notably the "Pines Of Rome". Karajan is a bit more successful with the works by Boccherini and Albinoni; the string playing is a bit more refined than with Respighi's scores.

von Karajan's Pines of Rome.......2001-08-28

This is one of the most lively performances conducted by von Karajan.

Respighi: Belfagor Overture; Pines of Rome; Fountains of Rome; etc.

Average customer rating:

Respighi: Belfagor Overture; Pines of Rome; Fountains of Rome; etc.

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0007RO58O
Release Date: 2005-05-24

Tracks:

Overture 'Belfagor' - London Symphony Orchestra
I. The Pines Of The Villa Borghese - London Symphony Orchestra
II. Pines Near A Catacomb - London Symphony Orchestra
III. The Pines Of Janiculum - London Symphony Orchestra
IV. The Pines Of The Appian Way - London Symphony Orchestra
I. The Valle Giulia Fountain At Dawn - London Symphony Orchestra
II. The Triton Fountain In The Morning - London Symphony Orchestra
III. The Trevi Fountain At Midday - London Symphony Orchestra
IV. The Villa Medici Fountain At Sunset - London Symphony Orchestra
I. Prelude - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
II. The Dove - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
III. The Hen - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
IV. The Nightingale - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
V. The Cuckoo - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields

Tracks:

I. Spring - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
II. The Adoration Of The Magi - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
III. The Birth Of Venus - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
I. Ballett 'Il Conte Orlando' - Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
II. Galliard - Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
III. Villanelle - Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
IV. Passo Mezzo E Mascherada - Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
I. 'Laura Soave' Balletto Con Gagliarda, Saltarello E Canario - Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
II. Rustic Dance - Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
III. Campanae Parisienses & Aria - Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
IV. Bergamasque - Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
I. Italienne - Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
II. Arie Di Corte - Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
III. Sicilienne - Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
IV. Passacaglia - Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra

Respighi: Pines or Rome; Fountains Of Rome; Etc.

Average customer rating:

Respighi: Pines or Rome; Fountains Of Rome; Etc.
Svetlanov , and Russian State Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: Warner
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000EHPYO6
Release Date: 2006-09-08

Tracks: