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

Ottorino Respighi (Composer), Orpheus Chamber Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
• Composer: Ottorino Respighi
• Audio CD (October 12, 1993)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Deutsche Grammophon
• ASIN: B000001GIE
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #39,695 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #78 in Music > Classical > Ballets & Dances > Dances

Track Listings

1. Gli uccelli (The Birds), suite for orchestra, P. 154: Preludio

2. Gli uccelli (The Birds), suite for orchestra, P. 154: La colomba

3. Gli uccelli (The Birds), suite for orchestra, P. 154: La gallina

4. Gli uccelli (The Birds), suite for orchestra, P. 154: L'usignuolo

5. Gli uccelli (The Birds), suite for orchestra, P. 154: Il cucù

6. Ancient Airs and Dances, Set 1, arrangements (4) for orchestra, P. 109: Suite I: Balletto detto 'Il Conte Orlando'

7. Ancient Airs and Dances, Set 1, arrangements (4) for orchestra, P. 109: Suite I: Gagliarda

8. Ancient Airs and Dances, Set 1, arrangements (4) for orchestra, P. 109: Suite I: Villanella

9. Ancient Airs and Dances, Set 1, arrangements (4) for orchestra, P. 109: Suite I: Passo mezzo e mascherada

10. Ancient Airs and Dances, Set 3, arrangements (4) for strings, P. 172: Suite III: Italiana

11. Ancient Airs and Dances, Set 3, arrangements (4) for strings, P. 172: Suite III: Arie di corte

12. Ancient Airs and Dances, Set 3, arrangements (4) for strings, P. 172: Suite III: Siciliana

13. Ancient Airs and Dances, Set 3, arrangements (4) for strings, P. 172: Suite III: Passacaglia

14. Trittico botticelliano (Three Botticelli Pictures) for orchestra, P. 151: La Primavera

15. Trittico botticelliano (Three Botticelli Pictures) for orchestra, P. 151: L'Adorazione dei Magi

16. Trittico botticelliano (Three Botticelli Pictures) for orchestra, P. 151: La nascita di Venere

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear renditions of difficult-to-find Respighi, March 4, 2000

By 

Thomas B Dawkins - See all my reviews

This review is from: Respighi: Ancient Airs and Dances 1 & 3, Three Botticelli Pictures, The Birds (Audio CD)

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.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blew me away!, February 17, 2000

By 

Thomas E. Wisniewski (Silver Spring, MD USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Respighi: Ancient Airs and Dances 1 & 3, Three Botticelli Pictures, The Birds (Audio CD)

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

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely performances of fine Respighi, March 25, 2002

By 

Michael J. Keyes (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Respighi: Ancient Airs and Dances 1 & 3, Three Botticelli Pictures, The Birds (Audio CD)

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.