Track Listings (17) - Disc #1| All Artists: Ottorino Respighi, Geoffrey Simon, Philharmonia Orchestra Title: Ottorino Respighi: Belkis, Queen of Sheba (Orchestral Suite) / Metamorphoseon (Theme & Variations) Members Wishing: 0 Total Copies: 0 Label: Chandos Release Date: 10/28/1992 Genre: Classical Styles: Historical Periods, Modern, 20th, & 21st Century, Symphonies Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC: 095115840528 |
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Search - Ottorino Respighi, Geoffrey Simon, Philharmonia Orchestra :: Ottorino Respighi: Belkis, Queen of Sheba (Orchestral Suite) / Metamorphoseon (Theme & Variations)
 | Ottorino Respighi, Geoffrey Simon, Philharmonia Orchestra Ottorino Respighi: Belkis, Queen of Sheba (Orchestral Suite) / Metamorphoseon (Theme & Variations) Genre: Classical
Belkis, Queen of Sheba was the Romantic musical equivalent of those Hollywood Roman empire/Bible epics like The Ten Commandments or Spartacus. It has never been recorded complete, but the suite of four movements extracte... more » |
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Amazon.com Belkis, Queen of Sheba was the Romantic musical equivalent of those Hollywood Roman empire/Bible epics like The Ten Commandments or Spartacus. It has never been recorded complete, but the suite of four movements extracted by the composer gives a good idea of what a spectacle it must have been. It sounds a lot like movie music, in fact, and that's a complement. Metamorphoseon, by contrast, is a brilliant theme and variations on a Gregorian tune that was commissioned for the 50th anniversary of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Its neglect is inexplicable, unless it's due to the fact that it requires an organ at the end, which makes it impractical for many orchestras. These performances are thrilling, and so is the sound. --David Hurwitz Similar CDs
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CD ReviewsOne word-Incredible Ryan DiLisi | USA | 02/02/2000 (5 out of 5 stars) "Most people know Respighi only by his Roman Trilogy. This is indeed a shame, for many of his other works are just as brilliant and exciting. The works on this CD are no exception. Belkis, Queen of Sheba is an incredible warhorse or a work. Respighi pulls out all the stops for an action oriented, nonstop musical journey. The result leaves you kneeling on the floor (after you get up from being blown away by the immense power he achieves in the finale) praying that the local ballet company will decide to perform this piece so you can hear the whole entire thing! The Metamorphosen is another beautiful work by Respighi that is neglected. It shows a darker side of Respighi that doesn't show up quite as often as his colorful side. Both works are truly masterpieces. If you love big timpani and percussion (like me-being a timpanist and all), big brass, Arabian-style music, and huge finales, then this is the CD for you. Respighi is the man! Be sure to check out the recording of Church Windows and Brazilian Impressions (don't get me started on those!) on the same label with the same orchestra while you're at it!" Must Have Respighi D. A Wend | Buffalo Grove, IL USA | 03/14/2002 (5 out of 5 stars) "There are few CDs that I have enjoyed more than this one. Belkis, Queen of Sheba is an exotic ballet (80 minutes in length) that tells the story of the journey of the Queen to the court of King Solomon. Respighi used a huge orchestra with instruments as the sitar and wind-machines. The music perhaps is bombastic, particularly the War Dance) but there are moments of exceptional beauty as in the Dance of Belkis at Dawn, where the Queen dances in honor of the newly risen Sun. The Orgiastic Dance is a frenzy of excitement of Dionysian proportions that brought the audience at the premiere to its feet. It would be interesting to hear the entire ballet music; the suite has only 22:30.The Metamorphoseon is my favorite work of Respighi. It is a series of 12 variations written for the 50th anniversary of the Boston Symphony in 1930. The work is more a concerto for orchestra with brilliant playing culminating a joyous conclusion. For people interested in Respighi's music, this is a must have disc. The sound is wonderfully clear and Geoffrey Simon and the Philharmonia perform beautifully."
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