Search - Ottorino Respighi, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra :: Respighi: Ancient Airs and Dances 1 & 3, Three Botticelli Pictures, The Birds

Fred L. from DURHAM, NC
Reviewed on 10/18/2016...

This enjoyable Disc is great to wake up in the morning to. If you are not with Respighi's music stop and get yourself familiar with his music You will really enjoy it. Light airy music for early morning routines...... Let me know if You like it as much as I do.

Clear renditions of difficult-to-find Respighi

Thomas B Dawkins | 03/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Lovely performances of fine Respighi

Michael J. Keyes | Portland, OR USA | 03/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."