review respighi gatti
Price: $12.99
(as of Dec 28, 2024 06:08:14 UTC - Details)
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
Product Dimensions : 5.5 x 4.94 x 0.45 inches; 2.88 ounces
Manufacturer : Bmg/Conifer
Date First Available : October 1, 2006
Label : Bmg/Conifer
ASIN : B0000024ER
Number of discs : 1
Reviewer: Paul Bubny
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Title: A sonic spectacular, but...
Review: Respighi's "Roman Trilogy" has been the basis of "demonstration-quality" recording jobs since the days of LP. Here's another--it'll make even the hairs on the back of the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. However, I'm less enthralled by the performance, which, for all the supposedly "authentic" atmosphere provided by an Italian conductor and Roman orchestra, is pretty slack.
Reviewer: David Phipps
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: The Best Overall Roman Trilogy I've Ever Heard
Review: I've heard Reiner, Toscanini, Karajan, Maazel (both Cleveland & Pittsburg), Jansons, Muti, Sinopoli, Tortelier, Ormandy (both RCA & CBS), Ozawa, Dutoit, and even Bernstein in various incarnations of this music. While they all have their own merits, every single one of them has something that keeps me from being eminently satisfied, whether it be sound quality, orchestral execution, or a conductor who just doesn't get it.Enter Gatti and the Saint Cecelia Academy, and the search for my personal "definitive" version is over. As has been mentioned on this page already, the orchestra, for being no better-known than it is, is surprisingly world-class. My experiences with Italian woodwinds, especially, have not left a good taste in my mouth. This orchestra, however, plays with a wonderfully refined sound and enough power to have me finding a building-foundation repair company in my phone book.The best part, however, is Gatti's interpretation. He is the only conductor I have ever heard who seems to actually "experience" the little stories behind each of Respighi's tableaux and allow himself the flexibility to do so. As a major climax approaches, he might slow down ever so slightly and allow the listener a chance to revel in the moment, rather than just charge through it, stubbornly refusing to change the tempo one iota like a more "objective" conductor might do.Or, as a woodwind solo or the violin section stretches for that top note at the peak of the melodic line, he might pause just a hairsbreadth and allow us to "float" for just a split second before we come back down again.It's little tiny details such as this that, to most listeners, will feel as natural as breathing that separates this wonderful version from the rest. After listening to this version, I have the impression of having actually been to Respighi's Rome.The other versions, in various degrees of excellence, nevertheless seem like a postcard by comparison.
Reviewer: A. Tohline
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Pretty Good
Review: I bought this CD early in my classical music loving days because I wanted a recording of one of the pieces in our HS marching band show. Appian Way, the Grandioso finale from Pines of Rome, did not disappoint me in the least.The way this CD was recorded necessitates turning up the volume really loud in some spots, because the quiet passages are really quiet and the loud passages are stentorian to say the least.These are Respighi's best works, grandly and beautifully evocative of festivals, fountains, and ferns (fine, pines, but I was going for alliteration), and this recording is one of the better ones. I won't give it a five-star rating, but it's definitely up there.
Reviewer: J.S.B.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: You feel as if you're there
Review: This is the best recording and interpretation of these much loved works available. I bought this on the recommendation of Gramophone magazine, and it doesn't disappoint. Having lived in Rome for two years, listening to this disc transports me back to the time and evokes thoughts and feelings from when I was there. I lived on Janiculum Hill and the "Pines of the Janiculum" on this disc puts a perfect image in your mind of what it is really like. Isn't that the magic you look for in music? The Santa Cecilia Academy is quickly becoming a world class orchestra once again under Gatti, and it is encouraging to know Italian musicians can still bring the best insight into Italian music. An amazing accomplishment. Don't hesitate if you like these works.