Pines of Rome Photo: America Pink, Public Domain
By far the most frequently performed and recorded of the works of Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) are his three symphonic poems that make up the Roman Triptych. They are 'Fountains of Rome' (1915-16), 'Pines of Rome' (1923-24) and 'Roman Festivals' (1928).
Each reflects aspects of Rome's cultural history, architecture or topograhy. In the case of 'The Pines of Rome', Respighi himself described the source of his inspiration, "the centuries-old trees which so characteristically dominate the Roman landscape become witnesses to the principal events in Roman life."
- The Pines of the Villa Borghese
- Pines near a Catacomb
- The Pines of the Janiculum
- The Pines of the Appian Way
The work ends with the martial tones of a proud Roman army marching into the city to the resolute accompaniment of trumpets and drums.
Recorded 2 March 2019, Town Hall, Christchurch by RNZ Concert
Sound engineer: Darryl Stack
