In 'Impressioni brasiliane', Respighi graphically depicts snakes with woodwinds marked 'strisciante' (slitheringly) and uses a tambourine with side drum sticks for rattlesnake sounds.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Respighi's wife, Elsa Olivieri-Sangiacomo, introduced him to Gregorian chant, which became a constant source of musical inspiration for him.
Composition History
The title 'Vetrate di chiesa' (Church Windows) was suggested by Respighi's friend Claudio Guastalla, a professor of literature, after hearing the music.
Composition History
The ballet 'Belkis, regina di Saba' (Belkis, Queen of Sheba) required an enormous orchestra, including sitars, wind machines, off-stage brass, a chorus, vocal soloists, and a narrator.
Composer Biography
Ottorino Respighi's musical reputation primarily rests on his 'Roman Trilogy' of orchestral works: Fontane di Roma, Pini di Roma, and Feste romane.
Critical Reception
The premiere of 'Fontane di Roma' was initially met with boos and hisses from the audience, but a later performance conducted by Arturo Toscanini was a resounding success.
Composition History
Respighi's 'Metamorphoseon modi XII' was commissioned by Serge Koussevitzky to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1930.
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