RESPIGHI: Church Windows, Brazilian Impressions

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Although Respighi's reputation rests on the justly celebrated trilogy of Roman tone poems (Naxos 8550539), he also wrote a number of distinguished works in other forms. The four symphonic impressions 'Vetrate di chiesa' (Church Windows) began life as 'Tre preludi sopra melodie gregoriane' for piano (Naxos 8553704), with the addition of a fourth movement to make a symphonic suite. Making full use of indigenous melodic and rhythmic shapes, 'Impressioni brasiliane' (Brazilian Impressions) are a musical snapshot of the composer's visit to Brazil in 1927, while 'Rossiniana', Respighi's orchestration of piano 'trifles' by Rossini, is one of his most brilliantly and colourfully scored works. It concludes with a wonderfully infectious 'Tarantella'. JoAnn Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, up until now acclaimed proponents of American music on Naxos, now bring their talents to bear upon this, the first in a series of 20th century Italian music from Naxos, to include both new recordings and Marco Polo reissues.