OTTORINO RESPIGHI (1879–1936)

 

Vetrate di chiesa (Church Windows)

Impressioni brasiliane (Brazilian Impressions)

Rossiniana: Suite for Orchestra

 

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra / JoAnn Falletta

 

Although Respighi’s reputation rests on the justly celebrated trilogy of Roman tone poems (Naxos 8550539), he also wrote a number of distinguished works in other forms.

 

The four symphonic impressions Vetrate di chiesa (Church Windows) began life as Tre preludi sopra melodie gregoriane for piano (Naxos 8553704), with the addition of a fourth movement to make a symphonic suite.

 

Making full use of indigenous melodic and rhythmic shapes, Impressioni brasiliane (Brazilian Impressions) are a musical snapshot of the composer’s visit to Brazil in 1927, while Rossiniana, Respighi’s orchestration of piano ‘trifles’ by Rossini, is one of his most brilliantly and colourfully scored works. It concludes with a wonderfully infectious Tarantella.

 

JoAnn Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, up until now acclaimed proponents of American music on Naxos, now bring their talents to bear upon this, the first in a series of 20th century Italian music from Naxos, to include both new recordings and Marco Polo reissues.

 

“Buffalo has preposterously harsh winters, but it is worth braving blizzards to hear its fine orchestra. Falletta and the Buffalonians pour an ample portion of polished Griffes's score” International Record Review on 8559164

 

Naxos 8557711