Ottorino Respighi: Belkis, Queen of Sheba (Orchestral Suite) / Metamorphoseon (Theme & Variations)

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Belkis, Queen of Sheba was the Romantic musical equivalent of those Hollywood Roman empire/Bible epics like The Ten Commandments or Spartacus. It has never been recorded complete, but the suite of four movements extracted by the composer gives a good idea of what a spectacle it must have been. It sounds a lot like movie music, in fact, and that's a complement. Metamorphoseon, by contrast, is a brilliant theme and variations on a Gregorian tune that was commissioned for the 50th anniversary of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Its neglect is inexplicable, unless it's due to the fact that it requires an organ at the end, which makes it impractical for many orchestras. These performances are thrilling, and so is the sound. --David Hurwitz

Amazon.com
Respighi (1879-1936) is probably the greatest Italian composer of the first half of the 20th century. Respighi's music is highly ornamental, descriptive, and, as in these works here, programmatic. Belkis, Regina di Saba (1931) is the suite taken from the fuller ballet he wrote. It has all the Oriental coloring that Scheherazade has, but this time it's paced more effectively as a ballet. Metamorphosen (1930) is a set of themes and variations that have no programme, but they do show just how... read more

Ottorino Respighi: Belkis, Queen of Sheba (Orchestral Suite) / Metamorphoseon (Theme & Variations)

Ottorino Respighi: Belkis, Queen of Sheba (Orchestral Suite) / Metamorphoseon (Theme & Variations), Music, Ottorino Respighi, Geoffrey Simon, Philharmonia Orchestra, 20th/21st Century Orchestral Work with Formal Description, 20th/21st Century Variations, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Orchestral

Ottorino Respighi: Belkis, Queen of Sheba (Orchestral Suite) / Metamorphoseon (Theme & Variations)
Average customer rating:

Must Have Respighi

One word-Incredible

Ottorino Respighi: Belkis, Queen of Sheba (Orchestral Suite) / Metamorphoseon (Theme & Variations)
Ottorino Respighi , Geoffrey Simon , and Philharmonia Orchestra
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000ADG
Release Date: 1992-10-28

Tracks:

Belkis, Queen Of Sheba: 1. The Dream Of Solomon (II sogno di Salomone)
Belkis, Queen Of Sheba: 2. War Dance (Danza guerresca)
Belkis, Queen Of Sheba: 3. The Dance Of Belkis At Dawn (La Danza di Belkis all'aurora)
Belkis, Queen Of Sheba: 4. Orgiastic Dance (Danza orgiastica)
Metamorphoseon: Theme (Andante moderato)
Metamorphoseon: Modus I (Moderato non troppo)
Metamorphoseon: Modus II (Allegretto)
Metamorphoseon: Modus III (Lento)
Metamorphoseon: Modus IV (Lento espressivo)
Metamorphoseon: Modus V (Molto vivace)
Metamorphoseon: Modus VI (Vivo)
Modus VII (Cadenze)
Metamorphoseon: Modus VIII (Andantino mosso)
Metamorphoseon: Modus IX (Lento non troppo)
Metamorphoseon: Modus X (Molto allegro)
Metamorphoseon: Modus XI (Molto allegro)
Metamorphoseon: Modus XII (Vivo non troppo)

Amazon.com

Belkis, Queen of Sheba was the Romantic musical equivalent of those Hollywood Roman empire/Bible epics like The Ten Commandments or Spartacus. It has never been recorded complete, but the suite of four movements extracted by the composer gives a good idea of what a spectacle it must have been. It sounds a lot like movie music, in fact, and that's a complement. Metamorphoseon, by contrast, is a brilliant theme and variations on a Gregorian tune that was commissioned for the 50th anniversary of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Its neglect is inexplicable, unless it's due to the fact that it requires an organ at the end, which makes it impractical for many orchestras. These performances are thrilling, and so is the sound. --David Hurwitz

Amazon.com

Respighi (1879-1936) is probably the greatest Italian composer of the first half of the 20th century. Respighi's music is highly ornamental, descriptive, and, as in these works here, programmatic. Belkis, Regina di Saba (1931) is the suite taken from the fuller ballet he wrote. It has all the Oriental coloring that Scheherazade has, but this time it's paced more effectively as a ballet. Metamorphosen (1930) is a set of themes and variations that have no programme, but they do show just how melodically adroit Respighi was, as well as showing the depths of his ability for orchestration. Surprisingly good stuff. --Paul Cook

Customer Reviews:

Must Have Respighi.......2002-03-15

There are few CDs that I have enjoyed more than this one. Belkis, Queen of Sheba is an exotic ballet (80 minutes in length) that tells the story of the journey of the Queen to the court of King Solomon. Respighi used a huge orchestra with instruments as the sitar and wind-machines. The music perhaps is bombastic, particularly the War Dance) but there are moments of exceptional beauty as in the Dance of Belkis at Dawn, where the Queen dances in honor of the newly risen Sun. The Orgiastic Dance is a frenzy of excitement of Dionysian proportions that brought the audience at the premiere to its feet. It would be interesting to hear the entire ballet music; the suite has only 22:30.

The Metamorphoseon is my favorite work of Respighi. It is a series of 12 variations written for the 50th anniversary of the Boston Symphony in 1930. The work is more a concerto for orchestra with brilliant playing culminating a joyous conclusion. For people interested in Respighi's music, this is a must have disc. The sound is wonderfully clear and Geoffrey Simon and the Philharmonia perform beautifully.

One word-Incredible.......2000-02-03

Most people know Respighi only by his Roman Trilogy. This is indeed a shame, for many of his other works are just as brilliant and exciting. The works on this CD are no exception. Belkis, Queen of Sheba is an incredible warhorse or a work. Respighi pulls out all the stops for an action oriented, nonstop musical journey. The result leaves you kneeling on the floor (after you get up from being blown away by the immense power he achieves in the finale) praying that the local ballet company will decide to perform this piece so you can hear the whole entire thing! The Metamorphosen is another beautiful work by Respighi that is neglected. It shows a darker side of Respighi that doesn't show up quite as often as his colorful side. Both works are truly masterpieces. If you love big timpani and percussion (like me-being a timpanist and all), big brass, Arabian-style music, and huge finales, then this is the CD for you. Respighi is the man! Be sure to check out the recording of Church Windows and Brazilian Impressions (don't get me started on those!) on the same label with the same orchestra while you're at it!

Average customer rating:

lesser-know gems of the repertiore, played by an incredible orchestra
The Pines of Rome ending...
Great Recording, but
Excellent Performance and Recording
Finally, a 2nd "Belkis"!

Respighi: Belkis, Queen of Sheba

Manufacturer: Reference Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances/ Vocalise/ Etudes-tableaux
Reveries
Bolero: Orchestral Fireworks
Rimsky-Korsakov: SCHEHERAZADE
Copland: Fanfare; Symphony No3

ASIN: B00005OAD4
Release Date: 2001-09-04

Tracks:

Belkis, Queen Of Sheba: Ste: Solomon's Dream
Belkis, Queen Of Sheba: Ste: The Dance Of Belkis At Dawn
Belkis, Queen Of Sheba: Ste: War Dance
Belkis, Queen Of Sheba: Ste: Orgiastic Dance - Chad Shelton
Dance Of The Gnomes: Allegro Vivace
Dance Of The Gnomes: Meno Mosso
Dance Of The Gnomes: Alla Marcia Funebre
Dance Of The Gnomes: Allegro
The Pines Of Rome: The Pines Of The Villa Borghese
The Pines Of Rome: The Pines Near A Catacomb
The Pines Of Rome: The Pines Of The Janiculum
The Pines Of Rome: The Pines Of The Appian Way

Customer Reviews:

lesser-know gems of the repertiore, played by an incredible orchestra.......2006-07-12

I'm delighted by the repertoire chosen for this disc. It's in keeping with the wont of the Minnesota Orchestra's recording program of recent years: to commit works that deserve to be better-known to disc, rather than pairing the blockbuster pieces, such as Pines of Rome here, with the usual cliches (Pines is almost always coupled with Fountains of Rome, or with Ravel's orchestration of Pictures at an Exhibition).

And when the performances are this good, you've really got something. Minnesota is not one of the "Big 5" American orchestras (Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, and Cleveland), but don't kid yourself: Oue and his band match the competition section for section, note for note. In the spring of '02 I heard both the Chicago Symphony under Boulez and the Minnesota Orchestra under Oue perform the Mahler 2nd Symphony, and Chicago didn't put on half the performance that Minnesota did (admittedly, though, this might well have mostly been Boulez's fault---it's oft been commented that he ought to stay away from music he obviously has so little affinity for). The MSO is a first-rate, world class ensemble and if you haven't heard them play, treat yourself to this disc. The other reviewers here rightly point out that this performance of Pines is at least as good as the classic Chicago recording under Reiner.

The Pines of Rome ending..........2004-01-04

As is so often the case with great art, the means to properly describe the magnificance and beauty of such an achievement simply cannot be found. On this disc, Eiji Oue and the Minnesota Orchestra give a superb reading of the Pines of Rome. The triumphant final movement, for the numerous times I've listened, has never ceased to bring me chills and often leaves my mouth agape. My friend Josh and I often talk about "the Pines of Rome ending" which we, again and again, reference as perhaps the greatest ending of any piece in our personal collections (being percussionists, we especially enjoy Peter Kogan's final thunderous timpani stroke). I must also add that the first piece, Belkis, was a wonderful surprise that only adds to the value of this disc. Buy this recording for Pines, and to discover the marvelous Belkis and Gnomes if you've not heard them.

Might I also add that I do not care one bit for Louis Lane's Telarc recording of Pines. It is much too fast, which acts to the detriment of the final movement especially. I've found the same with Ormandy's bargan-priced Sony recording. Oue rightfully allows this grand crecendo to slowly develop into its proper euphoric climax.

Great Recording, but.......2002-03-25

At first, I have to say I cannot measure Eiji Oue's thought with my own scale. But I have to inform the reason I rate this CD 4 stars inspite all reviewers give 5 stars.
When you start listening, I promise you can find this recording exceptional of all you've listened. It successfully pulls out an attraction that Respighi's works originally possess. As everyone wrote on his review, sound is clear, gorgeous and dynamic. I basically agree with all those comments. It is true the sound is supurb and I was completely knocked down by "The Pines of Rome," but still cannot get involved fully in both "Belkis" and "Dance of the Gnomes." What's wrong? In my opinion, Eiji Oue might be bound by Respighi's sound itself. Although he had to choose the best way, I think, so that the sound could be re-constructed completely, he failed at the same time to give the wilderness which "Belkis" and "Gnomes" should have originally. These are too smart for me.

Excellent Performance and Recording.......2002-01-12

This is an excellently played album that stacks up to any of the bigger name orchestras. The selections include a standard (The Pines) and two lesser-knowns (Belkis and The Gnomes). Oue is a conductor who lets no detail slip past his attention and his orchestra is first-rate from top to bottom. I was particularly struck by the woodwind solos throughout and by Oue's ability to shape melodic lines, letting them breathe when necessary and making it very musical. The slow movements here are slower than in other recordings but the music never drags or gets dull.

This is only the second Belkis recording to my knowledge and it is excellent. Winds, strings, and percussion are excellent throughout, although the brass need more punch at the beginning of the War Dance (they find it later in the CD so it isn't a question of ability). Also, the wordless tenor chant in the final movement seemed more random than meaningful. It's a relatively minor part in the suite and I think he should have opted to leave it to the trumpet (the composer-sanctioned alternative option). The slow movements are beautiful and throughout the suite, as in the rest of the CD, balance, ensemble, and intonation are all outstanding. The Dance of the Gnomes is a new one to me although I did enjoy the music. The inspiration is a macabre poem about dual gnome brides killing their mutual husband on the wedding night and although the poem (text included) describes some nasty events, the music stays relatively tame.

The Pines recording stacks up to any I've heard and is a definite challenge to Reiner and Chicago. I found some of the solos (especially clarinet) better than Reiner's and, again, Oue's tempos are slower but the music is very beautiful and expressive. The brass are also up to the challenge with the requisite power in IV and excellent sound and control in other areas (particularly high brass). Recording quality is excellent on the whole CD and we get to enjoy a few seconds of reverb at the end of Pines.

Oue has an excellent group of players and I look forward to hearing more of their work.

Finally, a 2nd "Belkis"!.......2001-11-18

Th e previous 2 reviewers extoll "PINES" . Who cares! "BELKIS: QUEEN OF SHEBA" has only been once recorded. I had always dreamed of another, I have not been disappointed!

Glorious! Special attention has been paid to detail, not evident in Geoffrey Simon's rendition (BBC or Philharmonia, I forget, in my rapture). Crystal clear recording (Reference Recordings start in analog).

Oue has done splendidly. Of course, as a member of the International Respighi Society (sadly, 1 of only 7 in N. America- many more in Europe), I am hard pressed to find fault with any renderings of Respighi's.

Tracks:

War Dance
Dance #1 (From La Vida Breve)
Salome's Dance Of The Seven Veils
Waltz (From Jazz Suite No.1)
'Allegro' (Mvt. III Piano Concerto #2, Op. 102)
I. The Land Workers 'Dances From Estancia'
II. Danza Del Tirigo (Wheat Dance) 'Dances From Estancia'
III. The Cattle Men 'Dances From Estancia'
IV. Final Dance (Malambo) 'Dances From Estancia'
Irish Wedding Dance (From 'Far And Away')
Overture To 'Dancer In The Dark'
A Little Barley Corne
I. The Great Lover - Three Dance Episodes (From 'On The Town')
II. Lonely Town: Pas De Deux - Three Dance Episodes (From 'On The Town')
III. Times Square; 1944 - Three Dance Episodes (From 'On The Town')
Sing, Sing, Sing

Average customer rating:

A guilty pleasure
To correct

Earquake

Manufacturer: Ondine
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000379G
Release Date: 1997-09-16

Tracks:

Hanson's 6th
Invocatio
Mountaineers
Ala et Lolly
Prism
Night Of The Mayas
Aladdin
Malambo
Weapon Dance
Nostalgic Thoughts
Machine
Bacchanale
War Dance
Can-Can
Angel Of Light
Hekla (Volcano)

Customer Reviews:

A guilty pleasure.......2003-07-27

I kind of feel bad recommending, and with four stars nonetheless, a recording of such shameless and unartistic music. However, if you just got a new speaker system or something and need to break it in, this is your CD.

The word of the day for this CD is LOUD. Clear? Sometimes. Impassioned? Occasionally. Artistic? Rarely. But deafening with a side of deafening served with stentorian sauce? Yes, and incessantly.

If that's what you're looking for, then I suppose it should get five stars. The real caveat here is that the informational liner notes so oft-expected with classical music recordings are simply missing. There are liner notes, but any respect for the represented artists is downgraded further when sometimes the name of the piece you're listening to is unclear. The makers of this CD were so enamored with their own "Track Title"s that the real names of the pieces are often butchered.

Oh, well. This is still a lot of fun to listen to. You're just going to have to do your own research for the rest of the story.

To correct.......2003-07-18

The previous reviewer thinks that Hekla is the name of the composer who wrote this record's final track. It is not. The composer's name is Jon Leifs (1899-1968). Hekla is the name of the volcano.

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