Ottorino Respighi (1879–1936) was an eminent Italian composer, musicologist, and conductor who left an indelible mark on the landscape of 20th-century classical music. Born in Bologna, Italy, to a musical family, Respighi showed a deep affinity for music at a young age. He studied violin and viola at the Liceo Musicale in Bologna and further honed his composition skills under the guidance of Giuseppe Martucci and, later, in Russia with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Respighi's compositional style melded traditional Italian forms with impressionistic and neoclassical elements, helping to propel his country's music into the modern era.

Respighi's legacy is remarkably rich and diverse, including operas, ballets, orchestral works, chamber music, and songs. Among his most celebrated compositions is the Roman Trilogy, consisting of the tone poems "Fountains of Rome," "Pines of Rome," and "Roman Festivals," which masterfully capture the grandeur and spirit of the city's landscapes and festivities through lush orchestration and vivid imagery. His affinity for ancient music led to the resurrection and adaptation of Italian early music in pieces like "Ancient Airs and Dances," contributing to an Italian nationalistic spirit in music. Respighi's influence extended well beyond composition; as a teacher at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome, he taught and inspired the next generation of Italian musicians. Despite passing away in 1936, Respighi's music continues to captivate audiences around the world, as evidenced by the ongoing popularity and reissues of his works.

Genres

Classical

Early Modern Classical

Impressionism

Italian Romanticism

Neoclassicism

Post-romantic Era

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Latest Release

Respighi: 3 Liriche

Ottorino Respighi•

Alessandra Visentin•

Chamber Orchestra of New York•

Salvatore Di Vittorio

Album - 7 Tracks - Released October 11, 2024