RE: Respighi's Pines of Rome/The Birds/Fountains of Rome

[dave b]

I need some advice. I have a CD of the described work of Respighi by Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Louis Lane. Can someone tell me what is the BEST performing orchestra for this particular Respighi work? Thanks in advance.

[shive1]

These are two of my favorite pieces, so I have several recordings of them.

I would recommend the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Fritz Reiner on RCA. The atmosphere Reiner creates is palpable, and the CSO is, well, the CSO. Razor-sharp playing to go with said atmosphere. Just a great recording.

I'll also mention the Oregon Symphony conducted by James DePreist on Delos. Modern, sumptuous sound. DePreist is an outstanding conductor and has built the Oregon Symphony into a formidable group.

One more: Mariss Jansons and the Oslo Philharmonic do a great job with this music on their EMI release.

[dave b]

Great. Thanks very much. I knew I would get helpful responses to any question like this. Thanks again. Not that my recording is horrible, just that there might be/must be/could be better recordings. I appreciate your help.

[bhodges]

And here are some more:

Maazel/Cleveland (Pines and Feste Romane, plus Rimsky Korsakov) - Some think this is one of the best recordings of anything period.  It's certainly one of the best from the 1970s.

Batiz/RPO (Pines, Fountains and Feste) - This is a real bargain, and sonically very impressive.  I like what one review said: "The cataclysm quotient is very high indeed here." 

--Bruce

[dave b]

I appreciate all the tips.....

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

My favourite Pini-Feste-Fontane: Seiji Ozawa/Boston Symphony Orchestra (DGG)

[head-case]

Maazel/Cleveland (Pines and Feste Romane, plus Rimsky Korsakov) - Some think this is one of the best recordings of anything period.

[david johnson]

'Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Fritz Reiner on RCA'

my favorite.

daveb, i cannot imagine atlanta doing a weak job.  yours is probably great.

dj

[head-case]

I would recommend the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Fritz Reiner on RCA. The atmosphere Reiner creates is palpable, and the CSO is, well, the CSO. Razor-sharp playing to go with said atmosphere. Just a great recording.

Just listened to this recording for the first time today (the SACD issue, which sounds very good despite its age).  It is certainly a very good version, with Reiner's trade mark taut, beautifully articulated sound.  I still think I prefer Karajan's recording, with more emphasis (in accord with the stereotype) on enveloping sonorities and atmosphere.  The finale of Pini di Roma, particularly, takes on a grandeur that Respighi perhaps didn't foresee.  To site one example, the progression of the low brass up the scale as the various climaxes are unleashed is quite impressive in Karajan's performance.

[Symphonien]

Batiz/RPO (Pines, Fountains and Feste) - This is a real bargain, and sonically very impressive.  I like what one review said: "The cataclysm quotient is very high indeed here." 

Yes, I would second this one. Fantastic sound, and so far one of the greatest Naxos recordings I have heard.

[Dana]

Maazel/Cleveland (Pines and Feste Romane, plus Rimsky Korsakov) - Some think this is one of the best recordings of anything period.  It's certainly one of the best from the 1970s.

What makes them so superior?

[Grazioso]

Yes, I would second this one. Fantastic sound, and so far one of the greatest Naxos recordings I have heard.

Thirded.

[bhodges]

What makes them so superior?

This Maazel/Cleveland recording was apparently highly praised when it first came out in the 1970s, not only for its demonstration-quality sound, but for Maazel's excellent work with the orchestra.  I know Maazel has his detractors--I'm one of them now and then--but he did do some great work with Cleveland (before the relationship apparently soured), and this recording might be the finest example.  Sometimes he can be a bit willful in his phrasing, but this recording has little of that quality, and lots of momentum.

It's a remarkably clear, "present" recording; Decca's engineers captured the group very well, with lots of detail.  And the dynamic range is huge, with a very satisfying "bloom" at the climactic moments.  Maazel's recording of Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet, also with Cleveland, is also very highly regarded.

--Bruce

[BorisG]

I need some advice. I have a CD of the described work of Respighi by Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Louis Lane. Can someone tell me what is the BEST performing orchestra for this particular Respighi work? Thanks in advance.

For the same program, I would recommend LSO/Kertesz.

Roman Trilogy - Dutoit
The Birds - Kertesz, Ormandy

[Iago]

My favourite Pini-Feste-Fontane: Seiji Ozawa/Boston Symphony Orchestra (DGG)

What kind of weed are you smoking or what drug are you mainlining?
Ozawa is not fit to conduct on the NY Subways. Although he may be better in that position than on a podium in front of an orchestra.

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

What kind of weed are you smoking or what drug are you mainlining?
Ozawa is not fit to conduct on the NY Subways. Although he may be better in that position than on a podium in front of an orchestra.

Don't smoke. Don't drink. Don't do drugs.

[Daverz]

I have that Lane CD, and need to dust it off and give it a listen.

The first disc that made me completely enjoy Respighi was Lenny's very vivid Pines of Rome and Roman Festivals.  Rather short measure on CD, though.

[Hector]

What kind of weed are you smoking or what drug are you mainlining?
Ozawa is not fit to conduct on the NY Subways. Although he may be better in that position than on a podium in front of an orchestra.

You know nothing.

Listen and you will hear the finest recording of this triptych on disc!

Batiz for a bargain but I think you can get Ozawa just as cheaply.

[techniquest]

Batiz of the best all round, IMHO. Great sound, very energetic, fresh performances with the right balance between outrageous noise and delicate beauty.

[bhodges]

Forgot about another good one: Muti and Philadelphia.  The sound may not be quite as good as for Batiz or Maazel, but it's still superb, and one of my favorites of Muti's recordings with that orchestra.

--Bruce