Description
Respighi: Orchestral Music – Antal Doráti (Newton Classics 8802048, 2CD Set)
- UPC: 8718247710485
- MPN (Manufacturer Part Number): 8802048
- Brand Name: Newton Classics
- Product Type: 2 Audio CD Set
- Genre: Classical / Early 20th-Century Orchestral
- Style: Symphonic Poems / Orchestral Suites
- Recording Type: ADD Stereo
- Total Duration: 127′39″
Overview
This Newton Classics 2CD collection brings together the most brilliant orchestral works of Ottorino Respighi (1879–1936) — from the colorful Roman tone poems Fountains of Rome and Pines of Rome to the evocative Ancient Airs and Dances, Brazilian Impressions, and Gli Uccelli (The Birds).
Conducted by the legendary Antal Doráti, these performances capture Respighi’s lush orchestration and cinematic flair in vivid stereo sound. The recordings feature the London Symphony Orchestra, the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, and the Philharmonia Hungarica, showcasing Doráti’s command of orchestral texture and rhythm across varied ensembles and recording venues.
From the grandeur of Rome’s fountains to the gentle fluttering of baroque birds, this set presents Respighi’s genius for transforming historical and natural imagery into vibrant soundscapes — all delivered with Doráti’s trademark precision and vitality.
Product Features
- Format: 2 Audio CDs
- Recording Type: ADD Stereo
-
Recording Dates & Locations:
Conducted by: Antal Doráti- June 1958 – Großer Saal, Konzerthaus, Vienna (Philharmonia Hungarica)
- July 1957 – Watford Town Hall, London (London Symphony Orchestra)
- April 1960 – Northrop Auditorium, Minneapolis (Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra)
- Orchestras: Philharmonia Hungarica, London Symphony Orchestra, Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra
- Label: Newton Classics BV (licensed from Universal International Music BV)
- Country of Manufacture: Netherlands
- Total Duration: 127′39″
Interesting Facts
- Master of Orchestral Color: Respighi’s scores fuse Italian lyricism with French impressionism and Russian orchestral technique — a dazzling blend of atmosphere and grandeur.
- Antal Doráti’s Authority: A conductor renowned for precision and brilliance, Doráti recorded extensively for Mercury and Decca, leaving benchmark readings of early 20th-century repertoire.
- Historic Performances: These sessions, recorded in the 1950s and 1960s, remain admired for their clarity and natural stereo imaging — an era when Doráti collaborated with the world’s leading orchestras.
- From Italy to Brazil: Brazilian Impressions reflects Respighi’s fascination with South American culture and color, while Ancient Airs and Dances pays homage to Renaissance lute music through neoclassical orchestration.
- Roman Trilogy Highlight: The paired Fountains and Pines of Rome remain Respighi’s crowning achievements — tone poems that evoke the timeless beauty of the Eternal City from dawn to dusk.
Track Listing
CD 1 – 54′34″
Ancient Airs and Dances (Antiche danze ed arie)
- Suite No.1: Balletto detto “Il Conte Orlando”; Gagliarda; Villanella; Passo mezzo e Mascherada
- Suite No.2: Laura soave; Danza rustica; Campanae parisienses; Bergamasca
- Suite No.3: Italiana; Arie di corte (7 parts); Siciliana; Passacaglia
Performed by Philharmonia Hungarica
CD 2 – 73′05″
Gli Uccelli (The Birds) – Prelude; La colomba; La gallina; L’usignolo; Il cucù Impressioni Brasiliane (Brazilian Impressions) – Notte tropicale; Butantan; Canzone e Danza Fontane di Roma (Fountains of Rome) – Valle Giulia; Tritone; Trevi; Villa Medici Pini di Roma (Pines of Rome) – Villa Borghese; Catacombs; Gianicolo; Via Appia
Performed by:
- London Symphony Orchestra (Tracks 1–8)
- Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra (Tracks 9–16)
Publishers
Originally recorded and issued by Universal International Music BV (1957–1960). Digitally remastered and reissued by Newton Classics BV (2011). Manufactured and printed in the Netherlands.
All rights of the producer and of the owner of the work reproduced reserved. Unauthorized copying, hiring, lending, public performance, and broadcasting prohibited.
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Hashtags
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