{"id":31357,"date":"2023-08-03T12:13:04","date_gmt":"2023-08-03T10:13:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/?p=187044"},"modified":"2023-08-03T12:40:03","modified_gmt":"2023-08-03T10:40:03","slug":"respighis-botticelli-triptych-a-guide-to-respighis-colourful-masterpiece-and-its-best-recordings","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/rss_feed\/respighis-botticelli-triptych-a-guide-to-respighis-colourful-masterpiece-and-its-best-recordings\/","title":{"rendered":"Respighi\u2019s Botticelli Triptych: a guide to Respighi\u2019s colourful masterpiece and its best recordings"},"content":{"rendered":"

It takes a master of orchestral colour to translate masterpieces by the Italian painter Botticelli. Rebecca Franks explores Respighi’s Botticelli Triptych and its best recordings <\/p>

By Rebecca Franks\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 03 August 2023 at 10:13 AM<\/p>

\n\n

Respighi<\/a><\/strong> is famous for his Roman Trilogy<\/i>, three sumptuous orchestral tone poems<\/a><\/strong> conjuring the fountains, pines and festivals of Rome. <\/span><\/p>\n

His native Italy also inspired one of his most delicate pieces, the Botticelli Triptych<\/i> (or Trittico Botticelliano<\/i>, in the original Italian). Also known as Three Botticelli Pictures<\/i>, each movement of this radiant 1927 work for orchestra takes its cue from a painting by Sandro Botticelli \u2013 born Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi c1445 \u2013 one of the leading artists of the Italian Renaissance. Few composers have so skilfully and appealingly turned great art into great music.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<section class=\"highlight \"><div class=\"highlight__content editor-content\"> <ul><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/articles\/best-recordings-respighis-pines-rome\/\">The best recordings of Respighi\u2019s Pines of Rome<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul><p> <\/p><\/div> <\/section><h2>Why did <span class=\"s1\"> Respighi compose his <i>Botticelli Triptych?<\/i><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Relatively little is known about the background to its composition. What is certain is that the project sprang from Respighi\u2019s association with Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, a wealthy American arts patron and music lover, who over the years commissioned a host of notable works, including <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/recordings\/a-guide-to-coplands-appalachian-spring-and-its-best-recordings\/\">Copland\u2019s <i>Appalachian Spring<\/i><\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/composers\/benjamin-britten-composer\/\">Britten<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s String Quartet No. 1 and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/composers\/igor-stravinsky\/\">Stravinsky<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s <i>Apollon Musag\u00e8te<\/i>. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">In 1925, she financed Respighi, by then in his late forties and well established in his homeland as a composer, to tour the United States. On his second visit in 1927, he attended a concert held by Coolidge at the Congress Library in Washington \u2013 possibly inspired by the building\u2019s Italian Renaissance-style fa\u00e7ade, Respighi announced he would write a piece based on Botticelli<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>paintings and dedicate it to Coolidge. That September the <i>Botticelli Triptych<\/i> was premiered at the Konzerthaus in Vienna, in a concert sponsored by his American patron. It was, noted Respighi\u2019s soprano wife and biographer, Elsa, \u2018a good performance and quite well received\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">While Elsa\u2019s words suggest nothing out of the ordinary, the art and music tell a different story. The Botticelli pictures all hang in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, crown jewels in a magnificent collection of art. For his sources, Respighi picked two of the artist\u2019s best-known pieces, <i>La Primavera<\/i> (Spring) and <i>Nascita di Venere<\/i> (The Birth of Venus), plus a third slightly less well-known one, <i>Adorazione dei Magi<\/i> (Adoration of the Magi). All three pictures are painted with tempera, a favourite among artists until the invention of oils. Made from dry pigments bound together with oil and egg yolk, tempera dried quickly, lasted well and resulted in vivid colours \u2013 a quality more than matched by Respighi\u2019s masterful orchestration.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>A guide to the music of Respighi\u2019s Botticelli Triptych<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Although Botticelli\u2019s three paintings don\u2019t form an official set or tell a particular story, they all explore themes of birth, awakening and arrival. Respighi turns to <i>Spring <\/i>first, a beautiful painting completed around 1480 which draws on classical mythology and celebrates nature.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--full\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% * (1639 \/ 2480));\"> <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C198, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C397 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C595 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1200%2C793 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C198, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C397 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C595 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=45&resize=1200%2C793 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=355%2C235, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=710%2C469 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1065%2C704 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1420%2C938 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=90&resize=355%2C235, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=45&resize=710%2C469 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=45&resize=1065%2C704 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=45&resize=1420%2C938 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=405%2C268, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=810%2C535 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1215%2C803 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1620%2C1071 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=90&resize=405%2C268, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=45&resize=810%2C535 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=45&resize=1215%2C803 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=45&resize=1620%2C1071 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C366, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1108%2C732 2x, 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type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C410, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1240%2C820 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1860%2C1229 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=2480%2C1639 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C410, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=45&resize=1240%2C820 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=45&resize=1860%2C1229 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=45&resize=2480%2C1639 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=408%2C270, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=816%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1224%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1632%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=90&resize=408%2C270, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=45&resize=816%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=45&resize=1224%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=45&resize=1632%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=556%2C367, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1112%2C735 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1668%2C1102 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=2224%2C1470 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C367, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=45&resize=1112%2C735 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=45&resize=1668%2C1102 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=45&resize=2224%2C1470 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img class=\"wp-image-187054 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--full no-wrap js-lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463898259cmyk-2ce525c.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C410\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"'Primavera', c1478. From the collection of the Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence, Italy. (Photo by Art Media\/Print Collector\/Getty Images)\" title=\"'Primavera', c1478. Artist: Sandro Botticelli\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> \u2018Primavera\u2019 \u00a9 Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"\/><\/div>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"> Nine figures fill the picture, standing in a grove of orange trees with, according to the Uffizi\u2019s art historians, at least 138\u00a0accurately depicted species of plants. There are many different interpretations of the painting, but for Respighi the focus was spring itself. Elsa summed it up in a programme note: \u2018Spring is personified by the figure of a woman. She comes forward scattering flowers, while all Nature round <\/span><span class=\"s2\">about her awakes. Young women, wreathed <\/span><span class=\"s1\">with flowers, weave dances, the birds sing. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/articles\/what-atrill\/\">Trills<\/a><\/strong>, songs and dances follow each other in the orchestra with rhythms of joy.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--aspect\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% \/ 1.501210653753);\"> <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=298%2C199, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=598%2C399 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=898%2C599 3x, 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data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=707%2C472 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1062%2C709 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1416%2C945 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?quality=90&resize=354%2C236, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?quality=45&resize=707%2C472 2x, 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type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?quality=90&resize=403%2C269, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?quality=45&resize=808%2C539 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?quality=45&resize=1212%2C809 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?quality=45&resize=1617%2C1079 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=553%2C369, 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https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?quality=45&resize=2212%2C1476 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1238%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1857%2C1239 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=2476%2C1652 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?quality=45&resize=1238%2C826 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?quality=45&resize=1857%2C1239 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?quality=45&resize=2476%2C1652 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1221%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1629%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?quality=90&resize=406%2C271, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?quality=45&resize=814%2C543 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?quality=45&resize=1221%2C815 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?quality=45&resize=1629%2C1087 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1109%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1665%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=2219%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C370, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?quality=45&resize=1109%2C740 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?quality=45&resize=1665%2C1111 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?quality=45&resize=2219%2C1481 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img class=\"wp-image-187049 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages635745513cmyk-82de830.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"Adoration of the Magi by Sandro Botticelli (Photo by Francis G. Mayer\/Corbis\/VCG via Getty Images)\" title=\"Adoration of the Magi by Sandro Botticelli\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> Adoration of the Magi by Sandro Botticelli \u00a9 Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"\/><\/div>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">From spring, we move to winter. The centrepiece of Respighi\u2019s triptych is <i>Adoration of the Magi<\/i>, based on one of Botticelli\u2019s many depictions of the nativity. This resplendent painting of 1475 is rich in colour, detail and history. On one level, it depicts a familiar scene, with Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus placed high in the centre. Three finely dressed men pay their tributes to Christ, flocked by well-wishers either side. Yet there\u2019s another layer of meaning to be found. The three Magi? They are Cosimo de\u2019 Medici, once the powerful ruler of Florence, and his two sons Piero and Giovanni. And amid the brilliantly painted crowd, full of life and expression, we can even spot the painter himself, on the far right in an ochre robe, looking directly at the viewer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">So which elements does Respighi depict in his music? Rhapsodic bassoon and oboe lines, peppered with so-called \u2018exotic\u2019 chromaticisms, evoke the East, home to the three kings. Composer, like artist, draws the past into the present. Over atmospheric sustained low strings, flute and bassoon play <i>Veni, veni, Emmanuel<\/i>, the ancient Advent plainsong. Pastoral woodwind solos evoke shepherds\u2019 songs, while bells, triangle, celesta and harp add a celebratory feel. Respighi also echoes the symmetry of Botticelli\u2019s painting, bringing the bassoon solo back to usher in the final section. Here the bassoon plays a melody based on <i>Tu scendi dalla stelle<\/i>, an 18th-century Italian carol: \u2018From starry skies descending, Thou comest, glorious King\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"image-handler__container image-handler__container--full\" style=\"padding-bottom: calc(100% * (1562 \/ 2480));\"> <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=300%2C189, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=600%2C378 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=900%2C567 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1200%2C756 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 320px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=90&resize=300%2C189, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=600%2C378 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=900%2C567 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=1200%2C756 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=355%2C224, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=710%2C447 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1065%2C671 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1420%2C894 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 375px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=90&resize=355%2C224, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=710%2C447 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=1065%2C671 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=1420%2C894 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=405%2C255, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=810%2C510 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1215%2C765 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1620%2C1020 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 425px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=90&resize=405%2C255, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=810%2C510 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=1215%2C765 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=1620%2C1020 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=554%2C349, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1108%2C698 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1662%2C1047 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=2216%2C1396 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(max-width: 589px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=90&resize=554%2C349, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=1108%2C698 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=1662%2C1047 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=2216%2C1396 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=620%2C391, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1240%2C781 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1860%2C1172 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=2480%2C1562 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 992px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C391, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=1240%2C781 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=1860%2C1172 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=2480%2C1562 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=408%2C257, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=816%2C514 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1224%2C771 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1632%2C1028 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=90&resize=408%2C257, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=816%2C514 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=1224%2C771 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=1632%2C1028 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=90&resize=556%2C350, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1112%2C700 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=1668%2C1051 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?webp=true&quality=45&resize=2224%2C1401 4x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 590px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=90&resize=556%2C350, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=1112%2C700 2x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=1668%2C1051 3x, https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=45&resize=2224%2C1401 4x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img class=\"wp-image-187055 align size-landscape_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--full no-wrap js-lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/24\/2023\/08\/GettyImages463912493cmyk-8b93b28.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C391\" width=\"620\" height=\"413\" alt=\"'The Birth of Venus', c1482. From the Uffizi Gallery, Florence. (Photo by Art Media\/Print Collector\/Getty Images)\" title=\"'The Birth of Venus', c1482. Artist: Sandro Botticelli\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div><div class=\"caption-hold\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span class=\"caption-copy\"><i class=\"icon-arrow icon-camera-circle\"\/> \u2018The Birth of Venus\u2019, c1482. \u00a9 Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"im-image-caption\"\/><\/div>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">To close, Respighi returns to Greek myth. The dramatic arrival of Venus, born from sea foam and propelled to land by Zephyrus, inspired Botticelli\u2019s <i>The Birth of Venus<\/i>, surely one of the most famous paintings in the world. The image of the Goddess of Love and Beauty, a luminous, naked figure in a huge scallop shell, has become iconic, inspiring magazine covers, pop singers, contemporary artists \u2013 and composers. Respighi\u2019s Venus wafts in on a wash of shimmering strings, evoking undulating waves. Flute and clarinet flutter by, soft as the breeze. There\u2019s a transparency to Respighi\u2019s orchestral palette that matches Botticelli\u2019s aquatic vision. A sense of expectation and awe grows, and a melody builds to become, in Elsa\u2019s words, \u2018a hymn to eternal beauty\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>The best recordings of Respighi\u2019s <em>Botticelli Triptych<\/em><\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Neville Marriner <\/span><span class=\"s2\"><i>(conductor)<\/i><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\"><strong><span class=\"s3\">Academy of St Martin in the Fields<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><strong><span class=\"s3\"><i>Warner Classics 2435693585<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Respighi\u2019s trick was to capture the essence of Botticelli\u2019s paintings. That\u2019s also what makes the very best of a good bunch of recordings of the <i>Botticelli Triptych<\/i> stand out. The finest performances relish Respighi\u2019s orchestration (he did study with the master, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/composers\/nikolay-rimsky-korsakov\/\">Rimsky-Korsakov<\/a><\/strong>, after all), the music\u2019s wonderful colours and its descriptive qualities. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Yet, just as Botticelli added layers of meaning to his paintings, so do the truly rewarding recordings also find something deeper below the surface. For spirit and a real joy in Respighi\u2019s musical reinterpretations, look no further than Neville Marriner\u2019s recording with his Academy of St Martin in the Fields, made back in 1976 in Abbey Road Studios for HMV, and repackaged since by Warner\u00a0Classics. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">With a fizz of sound whipped up by scurrying strings, followed by the heralding of horns and trumpets, there\u2019s a delicious sense of excitement and expectation right from the start of \u2018Spring\u2019. All the jubilation of the season is here, ensemble is taut, and the playing still comes up irresistibly fresh all these years later. And while Marriner and his band capture a pastoral mood, the music never gets bogged down and instead always presses ahead at a swift pace.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">\u2018Adoration of the Magi\u2019<i> <\/i>begins equally compellingly, thanks to the shaping and phrasing of the bassoon and oboe solos. Woodwind and strings are well balanced, and even if there\u2019s the odd unwelcome edge to the string tone, the immediacy of the performance more than makes up for it. The <i>Veni, veni Emmanuel<\/i> <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/articles\/what-isplainchant\/\">plainchant<\/a><\/strong> feels fully integrated into the movement, rather than like a postcard from the past, and when the music moves into its more driven central section, the pacing feels right. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">The violin solo glints in a lovely fashion. What really elevates this performance, though, is its emotional impact. Other recordings emphasise more surface qualities, but Marriner ensures that, by the time the bassoon returns to sing its gentle lullaby, we do feel as if we have glimpsed a miracle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Marriner\u2019s recording is also one of the few that really evokes the luminous quality of \u2018The Birth of Venus\u2019, with transparent textures and playing that seems to float and shimmer. Not that he ever loses sight of the overall shape of this movement. The crescendo builds inexorably, the string melody growing in strength until it reaches the crest of the wave. When the opening music returns, after the silence, it feels as if we are in a beautiful dream.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"monetizer__price-comparison-container\" data-position=\"adhoc\" hidden=\"\"> <h5 class=\"monetizer__price-comparison-title monetizer-title\" style=\"background-color: #; color: #000000\"\/> <div id=\"monetizer__deals\" data-type=\"price-comparison\" data-config=\"{"shopId":"1378","market":"gbp_en","template":"default","searchKeywords":"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B0723C6XX2\/ref=sr_1_16","excludeKeywords":"","geolocation":true,"limit":"4","priceRange":"0.7-1.3","sid":"term-classicalmusic-6-pcs-txt-pos"}\"\/> <div class=\"monetizer__price-comparison-explanatory-text body-copy-extra-small editor-content\"\/><\/div> <p class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><i>T<\/i><\/span><span class=\"s1\"><i>am\u00e1s V\u00e1s\u00e1ry (conductor)<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"s1\"><i>Chandos CHAN 8913<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\">The now disbanded Bournemouth Sinfonietta, a chamber orchestra sibling of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, is on sparkling form for Respighi, with excellent recorded sound. The bright colours and rhythmic drive of \u2018Spring\u2019 seem to come from the same world as Stravinsky\u2019s <i>Petrushka<\/i> in conductor Tam\u00e1s V\u00e1s\u00e1ry\u2019s hands, while he draws out the lyricism of \u2018Adoration of the Magi\u2018. And while his \u2018The Birth of Venus\u2018 is fast, none of the detail or delicacy is lost. The great hymn to beauty truly seems to emerge from a swirling sea.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"monetizer__price-comparison-container\" data-position=\"adhoc\" hidden=\"\"> <h5 class=\"monetizer__price-comparison-title monetizer-title\" style=\"background-color: #; color: #000000\"\/> <div id=\"monetizer__deals\" data-type=\"price-comparison\" data-config=\"{"shopId":"1378","market":"gbp_en","template":"default","searchKeywords":"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/dp\/B09FGTK6Y3\/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1","excludeKeywords":"","geolocation":true,"limit":"4","priceRange":"0.7-1.3","sid":"term-classicalmusic-6-pcs-txt-pos"}\"\/> <div class=\"monetizer__price-comparison-explanatory-text body-copy-extra-small editor-content\"\/><\/div> <p><iframe style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 660px; overflow: hidden; border-radius: 10px;\" src=\"https:\/\/embed.music.apple.com\/us\/album\/respighi-three-botticelli-pictures\/1584481959\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" sandbox=\"allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><i>Richard Hickox (conductor)<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><span class=\"s1\"><i>Collins Classics CC-1349<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s3\">Richard Hickox relishes the rich colours of Respighi\u2019s writing in this performance, and overall takes a more expansive view compared to Marriner. There\u2019s an almost luxurious quality to the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/articles\/john-wilson-and-the-sinfonia-of-london\/\">City of London Sinfonia<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s expressive playing. If the central movement misses the last ounce of atmosphere, the magical delicacy of the rippling waves at the start of the third paves the way for a superbly characterised finale. Best of all is the sense of majesty and awe created here, ideally fit for a goddess making landfall on a giant seashell.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Respighi-Trittico-Botticelliano-Aretusa-etc\/dp\/B00000AFKZ\/ref=sr_1_3?tag=classicalm05c-21&ascsubtag=classicalmusic-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener noreferrer\">Buy from Amazon<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/li>\n<\/ul><p><iframe style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 660px; overflow: hidden; border-radius: 10px;\" src=\"https:\/\/embed.music.apple.com\/us\/album\/respighi-aretusa-lauda-per-la-nativit%C3%A0-il-tramonto\/1448575746\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" sandbox=\"allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation\"\/><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><i>John Neschling (conductor)<\/i><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong><span class=\"s1\"><i>BIS BIS-2250<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\">There\u2019s a gentler, more atmospheric feel to this <i>Botticelli Triptych<\/i>, which appears on the fifth instalment of John Neschling\u2019s complete Respighi cycle. The Brazilian conductor and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Li\u00e8ge are perhaps at their finest in the nativity sequence, with eloquent wind solos. <i>Veni, veni Emmanuel<\/i> is imbued with a hauntingly \u2018ancient\u2019 feel that recalls <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/composers\/ralph-vaughan-williams\/\">Vaughan Williams<\/a><\/strong> and his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/works\/vaughan-williamss-fantasia-on-a-theme-of-thomas-tallis\/\"><strong><i>Tallis Fantasia<\/i><\/strong><\/a>. And although <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/features\/musical-terms\/what-is-tempo-in-music\/\">tempos<\/a><\/strong> are on the slower side, the performance never drags. In fact, there\u2019s a welcome spaciousness that allows the music to breathe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p\/><div class=\"monetizer__price-comparison-container\" data-position=\"adhoc\" hidden=\"\"> <h5 class=\"monetizer__price-comparison-title monetizer-title\" style=\"background-color: #; color: #000000\"\/> <div id=\"monetizer__deals\" data-type=\"price-comparison\" data-config=\"{"shopId":"1378","market":"gbp_en","template":"default","searchKeywords":"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.uk\/Respighi-Antonacci-Orchestre-Philharmonique-Neschling\/dp\/B0776K6NKF\/ref=sr_1_6?","excludeKeywords":"","geolocation":true,"limit":"4","priceRange":"9.1-16.9","sid":"term-classicalmusic-6-pcs-txt-pos"}\"\/> <div class=\"monetizer__price-comparison-explanatory-text body-copy-extra-small editor-content\"\/><\/div>\n<br\/><iframe allow=\"autoplay *; encrypted-media *; fullscreen *; clipboard-write\" frameborder=\"0\" height=\"450\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:660px;overflow:hidden;border-radius:10px;\" sandbox=\"allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation\" src=\"https:\/\/embed.music.apple.com\/us\/album\/respighi-vetrate-di-chiesa-il-tramonto-trittico\/1318786194\"\/>\n<p class=\"p5\"><strong><span class=\"s4\">And one to avoid\u2026<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\">There are good things about this 2015 recording from the Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma and Francesco La Vecchia. Not least, it comes as part of the only current complete recorded set of Respighi\u2019s orchestral works (Brilliant Classics), which may well be more than enough of an appeal to listeners. Yet compared to other recordings, La Vecchia\u2019s take feels rather unrefined and raw \u2013 including what sounds like a rogue oboe note at the end of \u2018Spring\u2019. <\/span><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p> It takes a master of orchestral colour to translate masterpieces by the Italian painter Botticelli. Rebecca Franks explores Respighi’s Botticelli Triptych and its best recordings <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":31358,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"9"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2023\/08\/respighis-botticelli-triptych-a-guide-to-respighis-colourful-masterpiece-and-its-best-recordings.jpg",591,591,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2023\/08\/respighis-botticelli-triptych-a-guide-to-respighis-colourful-masterpiece-and-its-best-recordings-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2023\/08\/respighis-botticelli-triptych-a-guide-to-respighis-colourful-masterpiece-and-its-best-recordings-300x300.jpg",300,300,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2023\/08\/respighis-botticelli-triptych-a-guide-to-respighis-colourful-masterpiece-and-its-best-recordings.jpg",591,591,false],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2023\/08\/respighis-botticelli-triptych-a-guide-to-respighis-colourful-masterpiece-and-its-best-recordings.jpg",591,591,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2023\/08\/respighis-botticelli-triptych-a-guide-to-respighis-colourful-masterpiece-and-its-best-recordings.jpg",591,591,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2023\/08\/respighis-botticelli-triptych-a-guide-to-respighis-colourful-masterpiece-and-its-best-recordings.jpg",591,591,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"It takes a master of orchestral colour to translate masterpieces by the Italian painter Botticelli. Rebecca Franks explores Respighi's Botticelli Triptych and its best recordings","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/31357"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31358"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31357"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31357"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}