Reissue Collects Strong Respighi Performances

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