Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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

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.

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.

Once again the Orpheus group does not disappoint. These lesser known orchestral pieces are a true delight to the ear. Highly recommend this as an addition to one's Respighi collection.

I say spectacular, not just as hyperbole but, in the sense of seeing, these lovely bits of pastiche actually evoke images of paintings by early masters. They are beautifully played and recorded, and the interpretations are crisp and lively. I've always loved the Antal Dorati recording, but these are a stunning addition to any collection.

This is not merely the best recording of these beautiful little marvels by Respighi, it's so superior that it's the only recording worth hearing. One might think that because the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra is a small ensemble, they might lack the punch of one of the major orchestras, but nothing could be further from the truth. You can feel this music in your veins.

The Passacaglia of Suite III is one of my favorite pieces of music of all. Extremely intense.

I also like it that they don't need a conductor.

I have yet to buy a recording by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra that I did not like. This CD is nothing short of astonishing. These suites by Respighi require immense care with respect to phrasing and instrumental coloring. Many skilled conductors have been less than successful in capturing their charm and freshness. Orpheus does so in spades, balancing the unity of orchestral ensemble with the brilliance of individual virtuosity. I don't know how they do it, but I can think of no other recorded performance that exhibits so much of the details of the score while maintaining such a unified, cohesive presentation. The "Three Botticelli Pictures" are especially well done.