Search - Respighi, Marriner, Asmf :: Birds / Three Botticelli Pictures

Essential Respighi

Emily | Phoenix, AZ | 09/16/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I come from the era of LPs, and I owned this album on vinyl before I tracked down the CD. It has always been one of my favorites, not just because of the beauty of these compositions, but because of the way Marriner conducted "The Adoration of the Magi" (track 7). "The Birds," and the "Spring" segment of "Three Botticelli Pictures" are all performed so beautifully, you will already be a supremely happy camper by the time you reach that part of the recording, but once those first few notes of The Magi are performed -- this is one of those rare moments in life when you simply have to sit and listen with awe. "The Birth of Venus" tops it all off gorgeously. This is a performance that can withstand 1000 listenings and still sound new. I love it, which is why my poor vinyl copy is worn down. Thank goodness for this CD!"