“Dazzling orchestral colors,” is one one way to describe the music of Ottorino Respighi. Belkis, Queen of Sheba was conceived as an evening-long ballet with singing whose lavishness has kept it from view since its La Scala premiere. This is only the second recording of a suite prepared by the composer – for the first time with the tenor solo (sung by Chad Shelton), and with the movements in the correct order. The music’s oriental perfumes and barbaric splendor guarantee the enthusiasm of anyone who hears it. Dance of the Gnomes is a little-known but characteristically dramatic and colorful (some might say “lurid”) tone poem. “Prof.” Johnson’s stunning HDCD-sonics make Respighi’s greatest hit The Pines of Rome (with extra brass and organ!) a dazzling conclusion to this unusual, inventive program.

On This Recording
Belkis, Queen of Sheba - Suite:
Solomon's Dream
The Dance of Belkis at Dawn
War Dance
Orgiastic Dance
Dance of the Gnomes:
Allegro Vivace
Meno Mosso
Alla Marcia Funebre
Allegro
The Pines of Rome
:
The Pines of the Villa Borghese
The Pines Near a Catacomb
The Pines of the Janiculum
The Pines of the Apian Way