PROGRAM NOTES OTTORINO RESPIGHI born: July 9, 1879 in Bologna, Italy died: April 18, 1936 in Rome, Italy
Trittico botticelliano (Three Botticelli Pictures)
composed: 1927 premiere: 1927 in Vienna Italian composer Ottorino Respighi is best known for his tone poems Fountains of Rome, Pines of Rome, and Roman Festivals, all of which employ huge symphonic forces to masterfully depict the life of the historic Italian city. After completing the “Roman Trilogy,” Respighi told his wife, “Now I am much more interested in small orchestras and chamber ensembles.” His new passion came to fruition in the Trittico botticelliano. Based upon three paintings by the great Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli, Respighi creates charming and unforgettable sound portraits of these visual masterworks with his remarkable gifts for melody and orchestral colors.
Primavera (Spring)
I. Spring — This lively movement opens with evocations of bird songs and rustling leaves. The spirit of the dance pervades throughout. II. Adoration of the Magi — Haunting bassoon and oboe solos, as well as quotations of the hymn “Veni, Emmanuel” suggest the journey to Bethlehem. The shimmering middle section, depicting the Magi’s encounter with the baby Jesus, features the percussion and a violin solo. III. The Birth of Venus — The strings’ gentle depictions of flowing waves are occasionally punctuated by bursts of wind. The radiant central portion depicts Venus in all her beauty. 14 program notes
L’Adorazione dei Magi (The Adoration of the Magi)
La nascita di Venere (The Birth of Venus)
