 [Larger view] | Ottorino Respighi, Enrique Batiz - Respighi: Symphonic Poems
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| Terrific recording | |
| I think, this is one of the best "Rome Trilogy" recordings... Especially, The Festivals of Rome is excellent. This symphonic poem is the most joyful and most difficult link (for orchestras and conductors) of trilogy. But Enrique Batiz and His Royal PO are amazing, especially last movement of "Fetivals" (Epiphany)... Pines of Rome is also very good. I was impressed especially 3rd movement. This movement tells about The Pines of Janiculum at night, and landscape is very impressive and a little scaring. And then music continues without a brake to 4th movement. This music tells about Pines of Appian Way. Julius Caesar and his Roman Army is passing on this way, because they were won a battle... Highly recommended for all Respighi fans... | |
| Quality regardless of price | |
| Who says budget labels only hire (relatively) unknown orchestras? Here, Enrique Bátiz teams up with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to produce one of the most preferred recordings of Respighi's Roman Trilogy in the catalogue right now. These three symphonic poems have long been orchestral favorites; the music not only requires great orchestral finesse but also creative interpretations. Bátiz and the RPO are all that and more. In this recording, the RPO exudes raw power resembling that of the Chicago Symphony under Reiner and Solti. At the same time, the British orchestra also displays great virtuosity not unlike George Szell's Cleveland Orchestra. On top of all the orchestral prowess, Bátiz offers a fun and insightful view to the music. Finally, for you audiophiles out there, I should add that the sound engineering is first rate. This recording would be among the top recommendations at any price. At Naxos price, however, it IS the top recommendation. |
