Immerse yourself in the rich, evocative sounds of the City of London Sinfonia with their captivating album, "Ottorino Respighi: 5 Etudes-Tableaux & Trittico Botticelliano." Released on March 21, 2014, under Ameritz Music Ltd., this album is a beautifully curated collection of Respighi's works, showcasing the orchestra's exceptional skill and versatility.
The album opens with Respighi's "5 Etudes-Tableaux," a series of five piano pieces that Respighi orchestrated, each inspired by different moods and scenes. The City of London Sinfonia brings these pieces to life, from the serene imagery of "The Sea and Seagulls" to the playful narrative of "Red Riding Hood and the Wolf." The final piece in this set, "Oriental March," transports the listener to a distant, exotic land.
The second half of the album features Respighi's "Trittico Botticelliano," a trio of orchestral pieces inspired by the paintings of Sandro Botticelli. The City of London Sinfonia masterfully interprets these works, each piece a vivid musical depiction of Botticelli's iconic artworks: "La Primavera," "L'Adorazione dei Magi," and "La Nascita di Venere."
With a runtime of 44 minutes, this album is a concise yet profound exploration of Respighi's orchestral works. The City of London Sinfonia's performance is nothing short of stellar, making this album a delightful addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.