Respighi: Ancient Airs and Dances; Trittico botticelliano

Ottorino Respighi (Composer), Jesus Lopez-Cobos (Conductor), Lausanne Chamber Orchestra (Orchestra), Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Lausanne Chamber Orchestra, Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne
• Conductor: Jesus Lopez-Cobos
• Composer: Ottorino Respighi
• Audio CD (March 17, 1992)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Telarc
• ASIN: B000003CYL
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,374 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #93 in Music > Classical > Ballets & Dances > Dances

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Worthy Equal To The Philharmonia Hungarica Disc, June 28, 2005

By 

Daniel (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Respighi: Ancient Airs and Dances; Trittico botticelliano (Audio CD)

Ottorino Resphighi had a special interest in Renaissance music and fortunatly for us he composed this beautiful work titled "Ancient Airs and Dances", based on works from the 16th century. This disc by the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Jesus Lopez-Cobos is a beautiful equal to the earlier 1950's "Mercury Living Presence"(Phillips)disc by the Philharmonia Hungarica, conducted by Antal Dorati. It does not surpass in any way the earlier disc, but it has it's own special nuances(some parts are somewhat more sprited) & is worthy of including in any classical lovers library. As a bonus it also includes Resphighi's "Trittico Botticelliano"(three Botticelli pictures), works inspired by the "la Primevera/Spring", "Adoration of the Magi" & "Birth of Venus"(If you have never listened to these pieces, especially while actually viewing photos of the famous paintings themselves, you're really missing out on a wonderful experience!). The amusing cover art to this disc is in keeping with the theme, but perhaps the dancing couple should have been depicted in renaissance attire instead of egyptian- the music is not quite THAT ancient! 5 stars all the way.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars From Ancient to Modern, February 27, 2008

By 

B. R. Merrick - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Respighi: Ancient Airs and Dances; Trittico botticelliano (Audio CD)

Normally, I don't care to hear antiquated music played on modern instruments. After hearing early music ensembles tackle Baroque masterpieces on authentically-constructed instruments, I was hooked on hearing early music only from early music ensembles.

Obviously, it's easy to dismiss this requirement with Respighi's suites, as he was definitely a modern, writing with modern instruments in mind. He may be referencing earlier time periods, but there is something intriguing about hearing, behind the gaiety and artful paeans, a tremulous threat of modern force. Respighi is a composer who can definitely handle it.

And López-Cobos is a conductor who can handle Respighi. Other than a minor technical complaint, I love his interpretation of "Church Windows" and "Roman Festivals" on another CD, and his interpretation of the Ancient Airs and Dances Suites on this recording is matched by outstanding technical recording details. The sound on this CD is clearer and crisper than on the former, and as an added bonus, he also conquers the "Trittico Botticelliano."

My only complaint is that in the middle of the Danza rustica in the second suite, the woodwinds sound like they're having a bit of a difficult time keeping together, and keeping the tempo.

It is not ruined in any way, however. The sprightly playing throughout this CD is enough to hand congratulations all around for a job well done.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars On CD finally., September 27, 2009

By 

Thomas R. Bodden - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Respighi: Ancient Airs and Dances; Trittico botticelliano (Audio CD)

Owned the Antal Dorati LP from way back. This was welcome and seems to have a better dynamic range than the vinyl. More delightful minutes also. Love that Bergamasca!