Music of Ancient Cultures à la Respighi
Evening Music | May 6, 2010
Ottorino Respighi spent most of his life in Rome and immortalized its geographical features in music, but he also expressed a keen interest in the music of ancient cultures. Tonight we’ll explore some “Ancient Airs and Dances,” Respighi-style.
Ottorino Respighi is well known for works such as “The Pines of Rome” and “The Fountains of Rome,” but one of his other passions was for the music of the past. After editing works by early Italian composers such as Monteverdi, he set about transcribing lute pieces by 16th century composers for orchestra; the result was three suites entitled “Ancient Airs and Dances.” Tonight we celebrate the anniversary of Respighi’s birth with the third of these suites (for string orchestra). Neville Marriner leads a stylish performance with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.
Another composer who spent time in Rome (actually arriving for the first time in the same year that Respighi died there) was David Diamond. Today is his birthday also, and we’ll end our evening with one of Diamond’s first successful works (which prompted the Guggenheim to award him a fellowship). That piece, the Quintet for Flute, String Trio and Piano in b, was hailed at its premiere by the Washington Post as being “good solid inspiration.” We know it will inspire you as well!
Ottorino Respighi is well known for works such as “The Pines of Rome” and “The Fountains of Rome,” but one of his other passions was for the music of the past. After editing works by early Italian composers such as Monteverdi, he set about transcribing lute pieces by 16th century composers for orchestra; the result was three suites entitled “Ancient Airs and Dances.” Tonight we celebrate the anniversary of Respighi’s birth with the third of these suites (for string orchestra). Neville Marriner leads a stylish performance with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.
Another composer who spent time in Rome (actually arriving for the first time in the same year that Respighi died there) was David Diamond. Today is his birthday also, and we’ll end our evening with one of Diamond’s first successful works (which prompted the Guggenheim to award him a fellowship). That piece, the Quintet for Flute, String Trio and Piano in b, was hailed at its premiere by the Washington Post as being “good solid inspiration.” We know it will inspire you as well!
