Customer Reviews

Respighi: Fontane di Roma, Pini di Roma, etc / Karajan

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I would have to say that "Pines of Rome" is one of, if not my favorite orchestral peices ever composed! I happened to come by this recording by Karajan by accident, and i've never regretted it since. It is, by far, the best recording I have heard of Resphighi's masterpeice to date. There is a depth to the sonority of the sound that is not heard in many other recordings, and as always, Karajan seems to know exactly what the composer had envisioned the peice[s] to sound like. The tempos, dynamics, and overall interpretation of the peices seem to be perfect in execution. Combine that with the masterfull playing and technique of the world-class ensemble of the Berlin Philharmonic, and you have a combination of pure perfection. I also liked the "Fountains of Rome" recording of this CD, it being of the same high quality and sound as "Pines". My only qualms with this recording is the amount of ambient noises that can be heard throughout the recording. Whether it be what sounds like a dropped bow by a string player, or a chair being moved, or a floorboard creaking, these sounds can clearly be heard. HOWEVER, one soon forgets these minor inconveniences once the orchestra starts to play the peices, and the greatness of the technique and sound can be heard (combined with the melodious genius of Respighi). This is a definite must have for all Respighi fans.

I love the Pines of Rome and find this version to be the next best after my other benchmark, Reiner's interpretation with the Chicago Symphony in the 60's. Too many conductors feel the need for excessive speed in the opening of this piece, causing it to feel hurried and rushed rather than triumphant. Karjan and Reiner are able to reign in this tendency. The playing is immaculate as well. This is an essential recording of this piece. Buy it.

If I could choose the 10 best classical albums, this would be one of them. The Boccherini is probably the best part, and sections of it were used in several movies, including Sherlock Holmes: The Case of The Silk Stocking and Master and Commander: The Far Side of The World. The quality of the recording is crystal clear, creating the most enjoyable listening experience. It finishes off with Albinoni and the fabulous Adagio in G Minor, featuring Wolfgang Meyer on the organ. All in all, it's a very nice album, and a joy to listen to.

Karajan, by far, next to Bernstein is one of the great conductors and his style shimmers through Respighi's beautiful fountains.

This recording is the best by far.

This brilliant showpiece CD brings together two separate LPs, the Pines and Fountains of Rome from 1978, the Ancient airs and Dances, along with the Albinoni and Boccherini form 1973. The Albinoni Adagio foretells the immense success of the Karajan Adagio series, which have earned DG millions of dollars. But these fillers are simply lush show-offs for the famous Berlin string sound.

the main attraction is Karajan's sumptuous yet refined way with the Pines and Fountains. Frankly, Respighi survives largely because of Toscanini's advocacy, and it would be hard to beat his electrifying accounts of both works, despsite outdated mono sound. The Berlin Phil. is incomparably more viruosic than the NBC Sym., and Karajan's sophisticated way with this second-rate, splashy music may not please everyone. He's out to civilize it, and for many that's exactly the wrong approach. Without its vulgar energy, Respighi's music has little else to offer. (Collectors of the Pines also complain that the nightingale recording used here is too drab. Okay.)

For me, owning one version of the Pines and Fountains is more than enough, and I nominate Reiner's famous version in Living Stereo on RCA, an all-out blockbuster. But Karajan's worldly approach is certainly worth a listen for its power and musicality.

I have the original recording on vinyl and the Pines of the Appian Way remix/tranfer disappointed me; the horns near the end seemed a little muted. Otherwise, it's the best recording I've heard.

Bought this CD primarily for the track of Boccherini's Passacalle. This track is a delight, but I should have bought the MP3. The rest of the CD is 'heavy duty' Berlin Philharmonic, and totally out of keeping with the Passacalle. If you're after chamber music, this CD isn't it - do a search on 'duets violin cello'. Which is not to fault this CD, just my choice!

I decided to purchase this particular CD because I did not have these compositions in my collection. I have always loved the works by Respighi, & based on the reputations of Deutsche Grammaphon, Herbert von Karajan & the Berlin Philharmonic I expected the highest quality in performance and interpretation, & they did not disappoint. They are enchanting, soothing, Italian visions of Rome. Listening to the music on this CD makes it possible to take a break & mentally transport yourself to the parks & fountains of Rome.

I don't wish to deny that this may be one of the finest recordings Karajan made with the Berlin Philharmonic. Not only is the sound quality fine, but more importantly, the Berlin Philharmonic plays with ample technical precision and warmth. Still, Karajan's interpretations lack the vibrancy I have heard in recent recordings by Dutoit and Maazel; they tend to be sluggish in their tempi, most notably the "Pines Of Rome". Karajan is a bit more successful with the works by Boccherini and Albinoni; the string playing is a bit more refined than with Respighi's scores.

I wanted a specific Boccherini piece! I typed it into an Amazon search and this recording came up. Ordered and received just what I wanted! :) :) :) Good sound quaity. The other music on the recording is also good, but just an extra.