Reissue Collects Strong Respighi Performances
Author: Ralph Graves
This reissue brings together releases from two different Koch Schwann releases. Violinist Andrea Cappelletii recorded the bulk of these works in 1994. The Poema autumnale was issued a year earlier with violinist Igor Bruppman.
The Philharmonia Orchestra under Matthias Bamert has a luminosity that’s perfect for Resphigi. The San Diego Chamber Orchestra under Donald Barra wasn’t quite in the same league. It’s a smaller ensemble and the sound’s a little closed-in.
But when it comes to performances, all these tracks are on the same high level of musicianship.
Andrea Cappelletti’s violin has a clean, crystalline quality to it. For the Concerto gregoriano, it’s the equivalent of light pouring through stained glass. For the Concerto all’antica, Cappelletti adopts a carefree, playful stance.
Igor Gruppman plays with a darker, throatier tone. It matches the melancholy mood of the Poema autunnale.
Respighi was a master orchestrator. That skill is apparent in all three of these works. And the soloists effectively convey the emotions of the material.
Another welcome reissue from Alto.
Ottorino Respighi: Violin Concertos and Suite
Concerto Gregoriano; Concerto all’ antica; Poema Autunnale
Andrea Cappelletti, violin
Philharmonia Orchestra; Matthias Bamert, conductor
San Diego Chamber Orchestra; Donald Barra, conductor
Alto
