Metamorphoseon - Theme and Variations
Rossiniana - Suite for Orchestra
Burlesca for Orchestra
Passacaglia in C minor by Bach (Orchestration by Respighi)

Italian composer Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) has always been admired for his rigorous and lush orchestration skills applied to picturesque writing. Most of his scores paint panoramic vistas of Italian landmark sceneries and/or depict ancient Roman life in all its gore and glory. His programmatic pieces including Belkis, Queen of Sheba and the Roman Trilogy in particular trigger vivid imagery with exceptionally dynamic and impactful scoring, and moments of pure sonic splendour. Before Respighi came along, the focus and attention of most if not all Italian composers was on opera, so it could be said that he restored Italian instrumental music to its former glory.

Respighi was also deeply involved in the study and dissemination of music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, as well as the historical value of Italian musical heritage. So, as with the pieces gathered in this recording, even when composing works without extra-musical content, best described as 'absolute' music, his mastery of orchestration and tonal colour shines through the formal clarity.

The Wuppertal Symphony Orchestra, although not a household name in the west, traces its roots back more than 130 years. According to the booklet notes, Hans Knappertsbusch, Erich Kleiber and Otto Klemperer held conducting posts there along the way. They perform this music with all the textural clarity it calls for, without sacrificing an ounce of expressivity. George Hanson has been its music director since 1998. This recording took place in the large historic Wuppertal Town Hall, known for its excellent acoustic character.