Uploaded September 2009 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
Yet another of Respighi's wonderful works that receives little attention on YouTube...
Respighi's love of music from the 17th and 18th Centuries often inspired his work; Ancient Airs and Dances would be the most significant example of this mimicry.
"Gli Uccelli" (The Birds) was heavily influenced by compositions of the past; pieces which were composed as 'bird-pieces'. In 1927 Respighi composed a 5 piece Suite based upon compositions which were inspired by birds; the work was first performed the same year in Brazil (where Respighi conducted and, incidentally, during his visit, was inspired to write "Brazillian Impressions; please, see my other video posts for those three amazing toen poems).
The first movement, a Prelude, is based on a harpsichord piece by Bernardo Pasquini (1637-1710), and it gives a preview of the themes that will return in later movements.
The second movement, La colomba (The Dove), is based on a lute piece by Jacques de Gallot (1625-1695). The Oboe (my personal favorite of the woodwinds) sings the doves song.
The third movement, La Gallina (The Hen), is derived from a harpsichord piece by Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764), the hen clucking noisily and rushing about.
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs under Louis Lane.
Enjoy!
Yet another of Respighi's wonderful works that receives little attention on YouTube...
Respighi's love of music from the 17th and 18th Centuries often inspired his work; Ancient Airs and Dances would be the most significant example of this mimicry.
"Gli Uccelli" (The Birds) was heavily influenced by compositions of the past; pieces which were composed as 'bird-pieces'. In 1927 Respighi composed a 5 piece Suite based upon compositions which were inspired by birds; the work was first performed the same year in Brazil (where Respighi conducted and, incidentally, during his visit, was inspired to write "Brazillian Impressions; please, see my other video posts for those three amazing toen poems).
The first movement, a Prelude, is based on a harpsichord piece by Bernardo Pasquini (1637-1710), and it gives a preview of the themes that will return in later movements.
The second movement, La colomba (The Dove), is based on a lute piece by Jacques de Gallot (1625-1695). The Oboe (my personal favorite of the woodwinds) sings the doves song.
The third movement, La Gallina (The Hen), is derived from a harpsichord piece by Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764), the hen clucking noisily and rushing about.
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs under Louis Lane.
Enjoy!
