Ottorino Respighi: Ancient Dances & Airs

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
If you're ever looking for really nice, pre-recorded wedding music, then you should try this record. The very first couple of minutes of the first track make perfect processional music in an average-sized church. The piece is appealingly arranged for chamber orchestra from Renaissance lute music, and it appears to swell in volume like an approaching parade. The result has just the right combination of joy and solemnity. Anyway, this first recording of the complete suites of dances is still by and large the best. It was another triumph for Dorati and his enterprising colleagues at Mercury Living Presence. Even if you don't have a wedding to go to, it's worth hearing. --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

Romance Anonyme - Jeux Interdits
I Love You
Italiana
Barcarolle
La Paloma
Lagune Waltz
Intermezzo From Cavalleria Rusticana
Roses From Tyrol
Chanson d'Amour
O Mio Babbino Caro From Madame Butterfly
William Tell Overture
Opera Medley
Italian National Anthem
Light Cavalry
Ode To Joy From Symphony No. 9

Customer Reviews:

Music to your ears..........2007-04-05

I can't say enough about this musician. The music will sooth your soul. A must have for your car CD player, it will help you through the traffic :}

Very relaxing to listen to .......2007-03-07

I'm a new fan to Andre Rieu. I didn't start getting into his music until I caught his Christmas special on my local PBS station last year. I found his performances highly energetic and playful which is rare in this often serious musical genre. After catching a repeat performance of "Tuscany", I decided to make the cd version my next Andre Rieu purchase. Whenever I listen to "Tuscany", I can easily see Andre Rieu performing with his orchestra. His skills as a violinist is exquisite. He is very subtle and is never out of tune. "Tuscany" begins with three of the most beautiful classical numbers I have ever heard. The beautiful orchestral melodies puts me at ease. I wished that the cd included "The Rose" (the Bette Midler tune) that can be seen on the dvd. I loved the operatic version. It would have been a nice addition to the cd. Of all the operatic numbers my favorite has to be "Ode to Joy". I have to admit though the singers have a terrible tendency to caterwaul on the songs which can be quite disconcerting for these ears. On the other hand the same can be said about a lot of opera singers as well as modern pop singers. There wasn't a single song on the cd that I didn't enjoy listening to. Andre Rieu's love for music really does shine through his music here. I hope some day I will have the opportunity to see him perform live. I don't think nothing can compare to seeing this talented artist live. Until then his cds will do nicely.

Outstanding program.......2007-02-10

What wouldn't I give to have been enjoying this magnificent program in that beautiful square in Italy? Fantastic performance of unbelievabe quality and program choices. I wouldn't trade this DVD for anything.

Andre Rieu's Tuscany.......2007-01-10

Haunting melodies taking you to the hills of Tuscany where this concert was originally held. Plays well while travelling as well as at home.

"Tuscany" is one of Andre Rieu's best shows! Excellent CD!.......2007-01-10

I'm an Andre Rieu fan and can definitely review this CD as one of his best! It was well-recorded with good sound quality, and you can hear the excitement of that evening in Tuscany as you listen to this CD. I would also recommend the DVD/Video of that performance.

The Most Relaxing Harp Album in the World... Ever!

Average customer rating:

The Most Relaxing Harp Alblum in the World...Ever!

The Most Relaxing Harp Album in the World... Ever!

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

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Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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The Most Relaxing Violin Album in the World ... Ever!
The Most Relaxing Cello Album in the World Ever
The Most Relaxing Flute Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Chamber Music Album in the World ... Ever!
The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!

ASIN: B000AXWGXG
Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

Rrie - Claude Debussy
Gymnope No. 3 - Erik Satie
Sonata in A, K.208 (Andante e cantabile) - Domenico Scarlatti
Siciliana - Ottorino Respighi
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat, Op. 73 Emperor - II Adagio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Sonatine, Op. 30 - II Calme et expressif - Marcel Tournier
Allemande & Courante (from French Suite No. 6 in E, BWV 817) - Johann Sebastian Bach
Arabesque No. 1 in E - Claude Debussy
Pavane of the Sleeping Beauty (from Ma M lOye) - Maurice Ravel
Lute Concerto in D, RV 93 - II. Largo - Antonio Vivaldi
Sarabanda - Nino Rota
Siciliano (BWV 1031) - Johann Sebastian Bach
Concerto for Harp & Orchestra in G Minor, Op. 81 - II Romanza (Andante) - Elias Parish-Alvars
Andante (from Violin Sonata in A, BWV 1015) - Johann Sebastian Bach
In a Landscape - John Cage

Tracks:

Concerto for Harp & Strings in B-Flat, Op. 4 No. 6 - George Frideric Handel
Concerto for Harp & Strings in B-Flat, Op. 4 No. 6 - George Frideric Handel
Concerto for Harp & Strings in B-Flat, Op. 4 No. 6 - George Frideric Handel
The Girl with the Flaxen Hair (from Preludes, Book I) - Claude Debussy
Sonata for Harp - III Lied - Paul Hindemith
Pavane - Antoine Francisque
Concerto for Flute & Harp in C, K.299 - II Andantino - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Clair de lune (from Suite bergamasque) - Claude Debussy
The Sunken Cathedral (from Preludes, Book I) - Claude Debussy
Andantino (from Sonata in C Minor) - Giovanni Pescetti
La Source, Op. 44 (ude) - Alphonse Hasselmans
Jesu, Joy of Mans Desiring (from Cantata, BWV 147) - Johann Sebastian Bach
Gymnope No. 1 - Erik Satie
Danses sacret profane - Claude Debussy

Customer Reviews:

The Most Relaxing Harp Alblum in the World...Ever!.......2007-01-08

Very soothing. Allows you peace of mind

Bella Tuscany: Music Inspired by Tuscany

Average customer rating:

Bella Bellisimo
Very nice collection of Italian classical repertoire
Beautiful

Bella Tuscany: Music Inspired by Tuscany

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Tuscany: A Romantic Journey
Under the Tuscan Sun
Provence: A Romantic Journey
Dinner Classics: The Italian Album
Dinner In Italy

ASIN: B000294RMQ
Release Date: 2004-06-22

Tracks:

O Mio Babino Caro - Erich Kunzel
Quando M'en Vo' - Erich Kunzel
Italiana - Jesus Lopez-Cobos
Danza Rustica - Jesus Lopez-Cobos
Sonate XIII - Empire Brass Quintet And Friends
Allegro - Yolanda Kondonassis
Allegro Non Molto - Yolanda Kondonassis
The Nightengale - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
The Cuckoo - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Siciliana - Angel Romero
Che Gelida Manina - Fernando De La Mora
Humming Chorus - May Festival Chorus
Adagio - Angel Romero
Allegro - Paul Patterson
Di Provenza Il Mar, Il Suol - Erich Kunzel
Intermezzo Sinfonico - Erich Kunzel

Customer Reviews:

Bella Bellisimo.......2007-07-07

A wonderful compellation of Italian classical music. I love to hear it while I'm driving; it makes road rage disappear.

Very nice collection of Italian classical repertoire.......2007-01-11

Very enjoyable listening to this classical CD. I also highly recommend the CD of this series "LaBelle France Music Inspried by France".

Beautiful.......2007-01-09

I bought the CD after hearing it at a friend's home. It's quite different than the music I typically listen to; but it's quite lovely. It's very relaxing and reflective.

Average customer rating:

Exceptional Collection

Bedroom Adagios

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Midnight Adagios
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ASIN: B0000BWVBV
Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

Concerto For Harpischord, Strings, And Continuo No. 5 In F Minor, BWV 1056 - Raymond Leppard
Concerto Grosso In B Minor, Op. 6, No. 12 - The Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
Pavane For A Dead Princess - Steve Erquiaga
Romance For String Orchestra - The Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
Carnival Of The Animals - Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 - Alexandre Lagoya
En Bateau - l'ochestre de la suisse romande
Humming Chorus - BBC Concert Orchestra
Sicilienne - Steve Erquaiaga
Italiana - The Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
Una Furtiva Lagrima - BBC Concert Orchestra
Chanson De Matin, Op. 15, No. 2 - BBC Concert Orchestra
Suite In E Major For Lute, BWV 1006A/1000 - Eduardo Fernandez
Touch Her Soft Lips, And Part - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Suite for Cello Solo No. 3 In C Major, BWV 1009 - Pepe Romero
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Julian Lloyd Webber
Pavane - Nicholas Kraemer
Serenade For Strings In E Major, Op. 22 - The Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields

Tracks:

O Mio Babbino Caro - BBC Concert Orchestra
Cavatina - Goran Sollscher
La Fileuse - L'Orchestre De La Suisse Romande
Flower Duet (Sous Le Dome Epais) - BBC Concert Orchestra
Pied-En-L'Air - Nicholas Kraemer
Arioso - Steve Erquiaga
Two Aquarelles - English Chamber Orchestra
In Paradisum - Stephen Cleobury
After A Dream - Steve Erquiaga
Suite For Cello Solo No. 1 In G Major, BWV 1007 - Mischa Maisky
My Bonny Boy - The Academy Of St Martin-In-The-Fields
Concerto For Guitar In D Major, RV 93 - Eduardo Fernandez
Un Bel Di - BBC Concert Orchestra
Holbert Suite, Op. 40 - Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra
Concerto For Oboe In D Minor, BWV 1059 - Heinz Holliger
Vissi D'Arte - BBC Concert Orchestra
Sheep May Safely Graze - William Bennett
Fantasia On Greensleeves - William Bennett

Customer Reviews:

Exceptional Collection.......2003-12-31

I have heard many, many classical "mood" collections, and this is one of the best, with many surprise selections.
It is consistently restful and calming.
I recommend it highly.

Ottorino Respighi: Ancient Dances & Airs

Average customer rating:

Gorgeous! Displays Respighi's gift for arrangements.
Just as terrific as the original LP
Hidden works of early Italian music
Renaissance Music A LA Respighi
A Dorati classic, now in up-to-date hybrid SACD format.

Ottorino Respighi: Ancient Dances & Airs

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Respighi - Ancient Aires and Dances / L.A. Chamber Orhcestra · Marriner
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Ottorino Respighi: Church Windows/Brazilian Impressions/Roman Festivals

ASIN: B0000057LF
Release Date: 1992-05-12

Tracks:

Suite No. 1 for Orchestra: 1: Balleto detto
Suite No. 1 for Orchestra: Suite No. 1: 2: Gagliarda
Suite No. 1 for Orchestra: 3: Villanella
Suite No. 1 for Orchestra: 4: Passo mezzo e Mascherada
Suite No. 2 for Orchestra: 1: Laura soave: balletto con gagliarda, saltarello e canario
Suite No. 2 for Orchestra: 2: Danza rustica
Suite No. 2 for Orchestra: 3: Campanae parisienses: Aria
Suite No. 2 for Orchestra: 4: Bergamasca
Suite No. 3 for Strings: Suite No. 3: 1: Italiana
Suite No. 3 for Strings: 2a: Arie di corte: Andante cantabile
Suite No. 3 for Strings: 2b: Arie di corte: Allegretto
2c: Arie di corte: Vivace
Suite No. 3 for Strings: 2d: Arie di corte: Lento con grande espressione
Suite No. 3 for Strings: 2e: Arie di corte: Allegro vivace
Suite No. 3 for Strings: 2f: Arie di corte: Vivacissimo
Suite No. 3 for Strings: 2g: Arie di corte: Andante cantabile
Suite No. 3 for Strings: 3: Siciliana
Suite No. 3 for Strings: 4: Passacaglia

Amazon.com

If you're ever looking for really nice, pre-recorded wedding music, then you should try this record. The very first couple of minutes of the first track make perfect processional music in an average-sized church. The piece is appealingly arranged for chamber orchestra from Renaissance lute music, and it appears to swell in volume like an approaching parade. The result has just the right combination of joy and solemnity. Anyway, this first recording of the complete suites of dances is still by and large the best. It was another triumph for Dorati and his enterprising colleagues at Mercury Living Presence. Even if you don't have a wedding to go to, it's worth hearing. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Gorgeous! Displays Respighi's gift for arrangements........2007-05-08

Ottorino Respighi, as I have stated in other reviews and Listmania lists, is the most understated, unrecognized, and unappreciated Italian composer and orchestrator ever. This disc is a primary example of Respighi's ability to arrange previous compositions.
Respighi's grasp of the baroque period is beautifully displayed on the three suites you will hear on this disc. Respighi was a gifted composer and his respect and appreciation for the musical styling of the past is why he was so qualified to take previously unavailable material and make it available once again to the public.
Although he was born in the late 19th century and died in the mid twentieth, he could very well have been alive and successfully composing 200-300 years earlier because his musical purism harkened back to a time that has been associated with the great composers, the Renaissance.
These particular arrangements, originally by at least 7 different composers with others credited only as anonymous, were from Italian and French tunes that were updated and compiled in to 3 suites that Respighi used to show his appreciation for Italian musical history.
All history and technicality aside, this is a wonderful piece, recorded in 1958 as played by the Philharmonica Hungarica, conducted by Antal Dorati, in Vienna. The treatment is spellbinding; you will hardly know you have been listening for an hour.
The original recording, obviously made on vinyl, has been remastered, void of any changes to the clarity, flow, range or acoustical embellishments of the auditorium in which it was recorded. The music sounds live because it is live; and it is live from the Wiener Konzerthaus.
Absolutely dazzling. My favorite Respighi recording in my library.
You just cannot go wrong with this CD. Buy it with confidence.

Just as terrific as the original LP.......2007-02-23

I heard this recording on a.m. radio one night in 1961 and was so enamored by it that I bought the record the next day at Tower Records in Berkeley. I still have the LP which, over the years, got a few scratches and is noisy. So, I was pleased to purchase this CD and find it just as exciting to listen to as my old LP was - and, hopefully, it will last a long time.

Hidden works of early Italian music.......2006-07-22

Respighi heres does an editorial and
a musicological work at the same time.
Works by composers such as Simone Molinaro
(1565-?) Vicenzo Galillei, and Jean Baptiste Besard
are here scored for orchestra, and string orchestra
Respighi does a wonderful job in the orchestration.
The music is here brought to life by the Philharmonia
Hungarica and Antal Dorati. This recording is in itself
a classic. Recording made in 1958, sounds as great
as if it was recorded in recent years. Indeed a five-star.

Renaissance Music A LA Respighi.......2005-10-05

Ottorino Respighi was a 20th century Italian composer whose music was a throwback to older forms of music and he was one of many composers who turned to neoclassical or neobaroque music in order to stand out from all the jazz and modern symphonic works being composed in the first half of the 20th century (1900-1960). Respighi's Ancient Airs and Dances evoke Renaissance music. This album from the Mercury Living Presence, which champions Antal Dorati's records, is glorious and a dream for lovers of ancient music. Dorati knows this music like the palm of his hand, for he always understood the composer's score and inent. He knows that this music is meant to sound beautiful and Elizabethan or a mix of French and Italian music of Baroque influence. It is courtly music as well as rustic music. There is a combination of noble sounds of flutes, lute, harp, strings, in music that is stately as well as lively. The Amazon.com Editorial Reviews claim that this particular music is more than appropriate for wedding ceremonies. Indeed it is. Upon listening to the opening track, the Balleto Detto, I could clearly envision a wedding procession. The music is not quite Baroque, but it does have a grandeur and march-like quality. It is beautiful and the same goes for the "party" type music in the dances of Gagliardsa, Masquerades, Bergomasks and Passacaglias. Particularly resplendent and moving is track 5: Laura Souave. It is heaven to listen to. Just hear it! This album is a fine collection piece for lovers of older music and fans of Antal Dorati. His Hungarian ensemble, a group he worked with since the 50's when they fled Soviet-invaded Hungary, is trained so well that the performance is almost straight out of the past itself. Don't hesitate to buy this album and play it at weddings or Renaissance fairs!

A Dorati classic, now in up-to-date hybrid SACD format........2004-12-30

For those already having SACD playback capabilities, or contemplating purchase of a SACD deck, this Dorati/Philharmonia Hungarica recording of Ottorino Respighi's "Ancient Dances and Airs for the Lute" has been newly released in hybrid SACD form. Below are my comments on the SACD release, covering both the SACD layer and the "redbook" CD layer. Those with (or contemplating) SACD capabilites will want to check this new release (ASIN B0001BPPN0) out; the sound quality is nothing short of mind-boggling.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Antal Dorati, Ottorino Respighi's music and I go back a long way, all the way to Dorati's mid-50s Mercury Living Presence monophonic LP of Respighi's first two parts of his Roman Trilogy ("The Fountains of Rome" and "The Pines of Rome") with the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra. Over time, I managed to collect all of Dorati's Respighi (adding up to a total of 4 albums), first on mono LP and then on stereo LP, up to and including this Philharmonia Hungarica performance of the full suite of "Ancient Dances and Airs for Lute" (by this time, in stereo only).

For reasons that escape me (probably a temporary change in musical tastes in the interim), I hadn't yet duplicated any of these on CD when they were released on this medium. For this particular work on CD, I had been in sort of a "limp along" mode for some years, with a recording by Seiji Ozawa and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Dorati and the Philharmonia Hungarica - particularly in this remastering that includes 2- and 3-channel SACD as well as the conventional CD signal that had itself been superbly remastered by Wilma Cozart Fine not all that long ago - makes it easy for me to retire that Ozawa recording.

Where Ozawa is downright flaccid interpretation-wise (despite the excellent BSO forces), Dorati's reading is rhythmically incisive where need be, warmly glowing elsewhere (in the slower sections), and beautifully luminous throughout. (Interestingly, a comparison of timings suggests otherwise: Ozawa's reading is nearly 3 minutes shorter than Dorati's, but limp nonetheless. The "tale of the tape" is often not the full picture.)

As is probably well-known, the Philharmonia Hungarica was comprised of Hungarian emigrés who escaped (most without their instruments) following the 1956 Soviet invasion. Dorati was their spiritual godfather from the outset, polishing the group into a virtuoso ensemble. (This pairing was to later record the complete symphonies of Haydn on the Decca label, a traversal that is still a milestone in classical music recording history.) This group plays as fine as any in these relatively small-scaled works (based on Italian and French lute music from the 17th and early 18th centuries), and of course is led by one of the greatest Respighi interpreters of all time.

The sound, dating from 1958 recording sessions, is fully up to the very high standards that Mercury established with its Living Presence series, perhaps the most uniformly excellent set of analog master tapes ever put together by a single label. In fact, the CD layer sound is significantly better than that on the Ozawa/BSO recording, despite the latter being some 2 decades newer. And, while the "ordinary" CD layer, with its fresh mastering by Mrs. Fine, is remarkable for its clarity, I have now had an opportunity to assess the DSD transfer from the analog master tapes to the SACD medium. In a word, it is stunning! One would never know that these sessions were from nearly a half-century ago! While the original source tapes were of course analog, they were of the highest possible analog, and the DSD reproduction of them is like "being there." Or at least like being in the studio with the engineers as they listened to the original sessions.

The playing time, at 54:32, is on the short side. Perhaps there would have been sufficient space to include either "The Birds" or "Brazilian Impressions" (other Respighi works that Dorati championed); perhaps not. Regardless, this hybrid SACD is very highly recommended.

Bob Zeidler

Respighi: Ancient Airs and Dances 1 & 3, Three Botticelli Pictures, The Birds

Average customer rating:

Outstanding Performance!
Lovely performances of fine Respighi
Clear renditions of difficult-to-find Respighi
Blew me away!

Respighi: Ancient Airs and Dances 1 & 3, Three Botticelli Pictures, The Birds

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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Respighi: Church Windows, Brazilian Impressions/Simon
Schoenberg: Verklärte Nacht; Kammersymphonien Nos. 1 & 2

ASIN: B000001GIE
Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

The Birds: 1. Preludio
The Birds: 2. La colomba
The Birds: 3. La gallina
The Birds: 4. L'usignoulo
The Birds: 5. Il cucu
Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite I: 1. Balletto detto 'Il Conte Orlando
Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite I: 2. Gagliarda
Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite I: 3. Villanella
Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite I: 4. Passo mezzo e mascherada
Ancient Airs And Dances, Suite III: 1. Italiana
Ancient Airs And Dances, Suite III: 2. Arie di corte
Ancient Airs And Dances, Suite III: 3. Siciliana
Ancient Airs And Dances, Suite III: 4. Passacaglia
Three Botticelli Pictures: 1. La Primavera
Three Botticelli Pictures: 2. L'Adorazione dei Magi
Three Botticelli Pictures: 3. La nascita di Venere

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Performance!.......2005-10-20

Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) was an innovative composer who sought a happy balance between the modernist styles of Debussy and Ravel with Romantic, Rennaissance, and Greco-Roman styles. This album is a good example of his original style performed here to perfection by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.

'The Birds' is a lyrical piece expressing images of various birds. The lightness of the piece makes one feel like their flying and the pieces try to create an image of the birds with instruments plucking to imitate the motions of a chicken for example. The Ancient 'Airs and Dances' is simply a transcription of Italian Rennaissance dances performed with modern and romantic styles. The 'Three Botticelli Pictures' is also a lyrical arrangement trying to represent the scenes depicted on the paintings. 'The Spring' of course tries to conjure an image of nymphs and zephyrs moving about in pastoral joy. The work 'The Adoration of the Magi' depicts the nativity scene and is a very measured piece. It is slow and melodic and the inclusion of Greco-Roman styles adds to the sense of mystery and distance somewhere in the East. The last piece, 'The Birth of Venus' depicts the godess Venus rising from her shell and coming to to the gentle shore. The vascillating strings give the impression of water rippling on the shore. The harp adds a sensation of divinity, grace, and beauty. All of these are wonderful pieces are very light and joyful to the ear.

The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra performs these works to absolute perfection and I can find nothing bad to say about either this performance or the recording. The sound quality is simply amazing in its clarity and volume. This is a great album for anyone's collection.

Lovely performances of fine Respighi.......2002-03-26

This is beautifully played and beautifully recorded. The conducterless Orpheus Chamber Orchestra gives finely detailed performances that capture the many moods of this music. Their performance of the Botticelli Triptych is the best that I have heard. The recording is excellent, with a very natural finely detailed sound. I recommend this recording, without reservation.

Clear renditions of difficult-to-find Respighi.......2000-03-05

There are an unfortunately small number of recordings of two of the works represented on this CD: Trittico Botticelliano and, to a lesser extent, Gli Uccelli. Many people prefer to focus on Respighi's larger and more grandiose works, specifically the three Rome suites, which is frankly a pity as Respighi's talent for precision and intricate weaving of voices is all but lost in the immense orchestras. Orpheus delivers these pieces clearly, in perfect synchronization, and without hesitation. Among the most difficult movements to keep together is the second of the Trittico, The Adoration of the Magi. The mixed meters and constantly changing tempi are executed as if they were terribly easy. Take it from a performer of these works, they aren't at all. The setting of the work is one solo wind from each section, one horn, one trumpet, small string sections, and the "coloration" of harp, celesta, piano and triangle. The intense tightness of this so-called color group is felt throughout without exception, even in the torrential seascape that concludes The Birth of Venus.No less stunning is the opening work of this collection, Gli Uccelli. Comprised of five movements taken from early Italian and French keyboard works by Rameau, Gallot and Pasquini, the work is delicate and intricate without being too complex. Orpheus captures this extremely well, and Peggy Pearson's oboe playing adds a light, comic touch to the middle movement "The Hen."The two suites (first and third) of Ancient Airs and Dances are equally well done, although not quite as exemplary in their rarity. The third suite, for strings alone, is particularly well-knit, and as usual, the ensemble is perfectly together.

Blew me away!.......2000-02-18

Tight performance, superb interpretation; transparent texture lets you hear every part like you're sitting in the middle of the orchestra. Wow!

Respighi: Fontane di Roma, Pini di Roma, etc / Karajan

Average customer rating:

Fantastic!
Soothing Visions of Rome
A Great Compilation
Karajan's Fine Interpretations Of Respighi's Music
von Karajan's Pines of Rome

Respighi: Fontane di Roma, Pini di Roma, etc / Karajan

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Master and Commander
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ASIN: B000001GX5
Release Date: 1997-05-13

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 - Ancient Aires and Dances / L.A. Chamber Orhcestra · Marriner

Average customer rating:

Respighi's Homage To The Distant Past
Outstanding Orchestration
A Shift in Respighi
Excellent
Beautiful Music.

Respighi - Ancient Aires and Dances / L.A. Chamber Orhcestra · Marriner
Ottorino Respighi , Neville Marriner , and Los Angeles Chamber Orhcestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Respighi: Pini di Roma/Feste Romane/Fontane di Roma
Respighi: Fontane di Roma, Pini di Roma, etc / Karajan
Ottorino Respighi: Ancient Dances & Airs
Respighi: Pines of Rome; The Birds; Fountains of Rome
Itzhak Perlman - Bruch: Scottish Fantasy & Violin Concerto No 02

ASIN: B000002RN9
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

I. Balletto, 'Il Conte Orlando'
II. Gagliarda
III. Villanella
IV. Passo Mezzo E Mascherada
I. Italiana
II. Arie Di Corte
III. Siciliana
IV. Passacaglia
I. Laura Soave
II. Danza Rustica
III. Companae Parisienses & Aria
IV. Bergamasca

Customer Reviews:

Respighi's Homage To The Distant Past.......2006-12-30

A master orchestrator who learned his craft from another master orchestrator (Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov), Ottorino Respighi was extremely well known in the early third of the last century for reviving old styles of music and making them into modern masterworks (e.g., he orchestrated a few of Bach's organ works). And perhaps the best example of Respighi paying homage to the distant past lies in the three orchestral suites, composed respectively in 1917, 1924, and 1932, that he titled "Ancient Airs And Dances For The Lute."

Based on dances composed by obscure Italian composers of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, the Ancient Airs And Dances received perhaps their best recording here on this 1976 EMI release by the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and their then-Music Director Sir Neville Marriner, who served from the time of the orchestra's birth in 1969 up to 1978. Both Marriner and the L.A.C.O. navigate around Respighi's orchestral colorings quite well, especially with the uses of harp and harpsichord in all three suites, full string orchestra in the third suite, and the use of trombones and timpani in the coda to the "Bergamasca" that concludes the second suite.

A fine example of a modern 20th century orchestrator bringing back forms from three to four centuries past, the Ancient Airs And Dances are never anything less than interesting, and the same can certainly be said for this recording, even if it was made three decades ago.

Outstanding Orchestration.......2006-08-16

Neville Marriner puts the finishing touch on these brilliantly simple folk melodies orchestrated by Respighi. Find out how enjoyable simple but by no means simplistic melodies can be.

A Shift in Respighi.......2002-11-22

New to this composer, this is much different from his Pines of Rome, Birds and Church Windows.

This is musical antiuquity taken and dressed up 17th&18th Century works. Scored magnificently as Respighi is prone to do, they literally shimmer and dance on the ears so delightfully.

The harpsichord, strings and winds of the LA Chamber Orchestra led by Marriner play exceptionally strong and bold here.

Brilliant in taking such simple melodious dance lines and blending them with his exquisity orchestration.

Really becoming a Respighi fan! This is good stuff!

Excellent.......2000-07-11

This is Respighi's retro phase--the music is peaceful, relaxing, and beautiful--everywhere simple and harmonious. The dotted-rythm cadences are especially pleasant. They are written for a small chamber ensemble, and are a delight to perform. All in all, these are some of the most underappreciated suites in all classical music.

Beautiful Music........1998-10-26

Simply put, this is some of the most beautiful music one will ever hear! I enjoy Sir Neville Marriner's interpretation over others I have heard.

Baroque for Beauty Sleep: Sweet Dreams for Beautiful Dreamers

Average customer rating:

beauty sleep
Baroque Music: A Prelude To Sleep
Baroque to Comfort and Sleep By
Guys! Don't be put-off by the cover art!
Mellow, but not sleepy

Baroque for Beauty Sleep: Sweet Dreams for Beautiful Dreamers

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque at Bathtime: A Relaxing Serenade to Wash Your Cares Away
Bach at Bedtime: Lullabies for the Still of the Night
Tchaikovsky At Tea Time: A Refreshing Blend For Body And Spirit
Beethoven for Book Lovers: An Intimate Companion for Reading
Bach for Breakfast

ASIN: B00000DBVH
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

Ancient Airs And Dances For Lute, Suite III: Italiana
The Four Seasons: Winter (Largo)
Oboe d'amore Concerto In A: Affettuoso
Sonata No. 2 In E-flat For Flute & Harp, BWV 1031: Siciliano
Concerto In D, RV 93 For Four Guitars: Largo
Ancient Airs And Dances For Lute, Suite III: Siciliana
Giazotto: Adagio
L'estro armonico - Op. 3, Concerto No. 5 in A, RV 519: Largo
Suite In A minor For Recorder, Strings & Continuo: Air a l'Italien
Concerto In D: Andante
Sonata In E
Concerto Grosso No. 12 In B Minor, Op. 6: Larghetto e piano
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Adagio
Flute Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, Op. 10 ('La notte'), RV 439: Largo
Oboe Concerto No. 2 In B-Flat: Andante
Concerto Grosso No. 8 In G Minor, Op. 6 ('Christmas'): Pastorale: Largo
Flute Concerto No. 2 In G Minor, RV 439, Op. 10 ('La notte'): Il sonno, Largo
L'estro armonico, Op. 3 - Concerto No. 11 In D Minor, RV 565: Largo e spiccato
Concerto In E ('L'amoroso', RV 271): Allegro
Nulla in mundo pax, RV 630

Customer Reviews:

beauty sleep.......2007-05-30

This music is perfect for bed time.
Beautiful classic music that lulls you to sleep.

Baroque Music: A Prelude To Sleep.......2004-05-30

This album is from the popular series "Set Your Life To Music"
series. The theme for this one is "Baroque For Beauty Sleep" which seems to be a companion to "Baroque For Bathtime". Baroque music, especially the slower movements in many concertos, are exquisite nocturnal pieces that ease the transition from being awake to falling asleep. The beautiful, elegant, slow, graceful music of many of these pieces will definately relax you and even help you fall asleep. It's therapeutic. There are so many reasons one can buy this album. It can help you relax and soothe you, as already mentioned, and it can be played in the background of a message therapy session. It can serve as music for a romantic evening or dinner. And lastly, it hits the spot after a long day and you're ready to visit the world of dreams.

Respighi's Ancient Airs and Dances, scored for lute and other Baroque period instruments, is the newest piece on the album. Respighi, a modern composer, was delving into neoclassic music and deliberately evoking the Baroque Era. It works wonderfully.
Naturally, no Baroque album is complete without Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Here is the Largo from "Winter" only it is played on panpipes by the New Age artist Zamfir. The sound is hauntingly beautiful. There is a sonata for flute and harp by Bach, the biggest name in the period and Vivaldi's "L'Estro Armonico" as well as Telemann's Suite in A for Recorder. One particular piece I enjoy and think you will too is the melodic and elegant Concerto Grosso No. 12 by Handel, the slow movement Larghetto E Piano. It is sheer tonal beauty. There is more concertos by Vivaldi, whose use of the flute is always very reflective and dreamy and even a solo aria from a motet of his, the soprano Elly Ameling sings "Nulla In Mundo Pax", a lyrical-coloratura showcase which crowns and concludes this gorgeous album.

Baroque to Comfort and Sleep By.......2004-02-16

Baroque is such a wide and wonderful musical discovery for us modern types. It is soothing and quieting to the soul, and in this case for the body as well.

Whether used as lullaby inducing or just listening pleasure and relaxation, this is nice collection. Including wide array of instruments: strings, flute, panpipes, oboe, flute, harp, guitar, recorder, piano, and voice --- this is truly enjoyable.

There is wide array of baroque composers as well --- Rephighi, Vivaldi, Bach, Albinoini, Telemann, and more.

Great price, great variety, great addition to your CD collection.

Guys! Don't be put-off by the cover art!.......2002-03-20

I commend the compilers for creating such a wonderful CD. The music is quite mellow, especially the pieces that are preformed by Zamfir, the famous panpipist. That whimsical woodwind gives a rustic, almost mythical feel the piece of music. You almost feel like you are in Arcadia awaiting a lecture by Chiron!

There is a good cross sampling of various Baroque pieces and Baroque artists. The variety is the spice that makes this CD worth buying and listening to over and over again. This CD also works well on shuffle, which remakes it into a brand new album.

There are a lot of oboes and string on this disc, and being a former oboist, I am electrified as I hear that instruments mellow honk!

Guys! Don't be put off by the cover-this is a good disc. Good for the mind, heart, and soul!

Mellow, but not sleepy.......2002-02-02

I don't know how to sum this one up. It is mellow, but you can't meditate to it. It's more upbeat than I would normally prefer to sleep to, but it works all the same. The music is performed so beautifully that I almost want to stay up and listen.

Tracks:

Messiah: Pastoral Symphony
Love's Ole Sweet Song
In dulci jobilo
A Dream
The Prince Of Denmark's March: Trumpet Voluntary
Wedding March From Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus
Variations on a Theme by Haydn: St. Anthony's Chorale
Cantata No.140: Sleepers, Awake!
Guitar Concerto in D: Largo
Cantata No. 99: What God Hath Done, Is Rightly Done
Tempo di Minuetto
Cantata No. 85: See What His Love Can Do
Orchestral Suite No.3 In D: Air On The G String
Ave verum corpus
Serse: Largo
Suite No.3: Siciliana
Water Music - Suite No.2: Andante - Allegro
Trumpet Concerto In A-Flat: Allegro
Premiere Suite: Rondeau
Cantata No.129: Praise Be To God
Water Music - Suite No.2: Alla hornpipe

Customer Reviews:

Great Reference CD!.......2006-01-09

This is a great compilation, CD, along with Bride's Guide to Wedding Music Volume I, to use as a reference for some of the more popular wedding songs, such as Trumpet Voluntary, Vivaldi's Spring from the Four Seasons, Trumpet Tune and Canon, i.e. Pachelbel's Canon. All of the musicians are generally superb, and the sound quality is very good. However, this is most useful if you are playing the CD at your wedding, or using it as a reference CD to talk over with an organist, a string quartet, etc. I only gave it four stars based on practicality, not on quality. If it were just quality, I would give it five stars. I purchased this CD since I am in the process of making my own wedding CD (I am a professional, freelance violinist), and this was nice to listen to, even just as background music for dinner.

Interesting musical selections, but ..........2005-01-06

As the other reviewer noted, one doesn't have to be getting married to enjoy this CD...and the musical selections are certainly interesting, even eclectic. I have to wonder, however, who picked these out with what criteria since at least a couple of these melodies are not traditional wedding tunes. By this I mean the lovely arrangement of Michael Praetorius' "In Dulci Jubilo." In his home country of Germany, where I used to live until a couple of years ago, this is a Christmas carol, sung at Christmas Eve services throughout the land. The lyrics aren't especially suited to any sort of wedding, really. Unless you're marrying in December, I personally would steer clear of this song. And if the wedding's in June and you have European guests, don't be surprised if eyebrows are raised when this melody is played!

A Nice Wedding Compilation.......2001-07-24

This album provides you with some good reference materials on planning the music for your wedding. Many of us may sit around wondering what on earth "Tempo di Mineutto" is. Well, with this album you will wonder no more. This is a pretty good compilation of some wedding favorites set in order that they would appear in your ceremony (prelude, processional, ceremony and recessional). Even if you aren't planning a wedding, this album provides you with some really good classical music to relax by. At a good discount, this CD is a nice addition to any collection. I would recommend this disc.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

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