By Barry Lenson
The Italian composer Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) is most admired for his incredibly skillful, masterfully orchestrated tone poems The Birds, The Pines of Rome, and The Fountains of Rome. These charming works have become a part of popular orchestral repertoire.
But there is much more to Respighi than most people know. Did you know, for example, that he studied orchestration in Russia with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov? Did you know that from 1923 until 1936, he was director of the Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia in Rome – one of the most important posts in European classical music?
Yes, we should know more. So let us explore.
Early Life and Education (1879-1900)
Ottorino Respighi was born on July 9, 1879, in Bologna, Italy, to a musical family. His father, a piano teacher, provided him with early musical training. Respighi initially studied violin and viola at the Liceo Musicale in Bologna, where he also developed a keen interest in composition. He studied composition under Giuseppe Martucci and later took lessons from renowned composer and conductor Luigi Torchi, an expert in early music.
Formative Years and Russian Influence (1900-1913)
In 1900, Respighi traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia, where he played viola in the orchestra of the Russian Imperial Theatre. During his time in Russia, he studied orchestration with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, whose influence would significantly shape Respighi’s colorful and dynamic orchestral style.
Rise to Prominence (1913-1924)
Respighi’s career took a significant turn when he moved to Rome in 1913 to take up a position as professor of composition at the Liceo Musicale di Santa Cecilia. His most famous orchestral work, The Fountains of Rome, was premiered in 1917 and marked the beginning of his celebrated Roman Trilogy. This trilogy, which also includes The Pines of Rome (1924) and Roman Festivals (1928), solidified Respighi’s reputation as a master orchestrator.
Peak of Career and International Acclaim (1924-1936)
Respighi’s fame continued to grow throughout the 1920s and 1930s. He composed prolifically, creating works that showcased his deep interest in both modern orchestral techniques and early music. His ballet La Boutique Fantasque (1919), based on music by Rossini, and the opera La Fiamma (1934) were extremely well-received. Respighi also explored musicological research, leading to the composition of works inspired by ancient and baroque music, such as Ancient Airs and Dances and The Birds.
Final Years and Legacy (1923-1936)
Respighi’s later years were marked by continued compositional activity and teaching. He became the director of the Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia in Rome in 1923, a position he held until his death. Despite his success, he remained humble and dedicated to his students and music. Ottorino Respighi passed away on April 18, 1936, in Rome, leaving behind a rich legacy of orchestral and vocal music.
Respighi’s music is celebrated for its vibrant orchestration and its ability to evoke vivid imagery and atmosphere. His works remain staples in the concert repertoire, admired for their innovative fusion of modern and historical elements.
Music of Ottorino Respighi Available for Listening on Classical Archives*
Ancient Airs and Dances – (symphonic poem) Salvatore di Vittorio conducts the Chamber Orchestra of New York.
Feste Romane (symphonic poem) – James DePriest conducts the Oregon Symphony.
Primavera (oratorio) – Adriano conducts the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra and soloists.
The Birds (symphonic poem) – Thomas Vasary conducts the Bournemouth Sinfonietta.
The Fountains of Rome (symphonic poem) – Enrique Bátiz conducts the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Pines of Rome (symphonic poem) – Enrique Bátiz conducts the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Three Botticelli Pictures (symphonic poem) – Thomas Vasary conducts the Bournemouth Sinfonietta.
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