1. Let's Learn a Little Bit About Our Friend Ottorino Respighi An informative presentation by Kevin Wu

2. Bio ● Born in Bologna, Italy, 1989 ● Played piano and violin ● Degree in composition ● Russian Imperial Orchestra – Rimsky-Korsakov ● Second degree ● Briefly in Germany ● Finally settled in Italy

3. Bio ● Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia – Taught composition ● Focused on composition ● Married one of his students ● “Roman Trilogy” brought him fame – Fontane di Roma ● Visited Brazil – Impressioni Brasiliani

4. Bio ● Stayed neutral to avoid criticism from Mussolini ● Inspired by 16 th, 17 th, and 18 th century music – Ancient Airs and Dances ● Composed until his death ● Died of heart infection in 1936

5. “Roman Trilogy” ● Three works: – Fountains of Rome (Fontane di Roma) – Pines of Rome (Pini di Roma) – Roman Festivals (Feste Romane) ● Fountains of Rome made him famous – Successful premiere in Milan – Recorded with NBC Symphony Orchestra ● Symphonic poems, large orchestra

6. Brazilian Impressions ● Inspired by a visit to Brazil ● Three movements – Nocturne – Snake research institute – Brazilian dance

7. Ancient Airs and Dances ● Inspired by 16 th, 17 th, 18 th century Italian music ● Three suites ● First two for orchestra – Based on lute pieces ● Third for strings only

8. Achievements ● Principal violinist for Russian Imperial Orchestra ● Teacher of Composition at Conservatorio di Santa Cecilia ● Numerous premieres with NY Philharmonic and NBC Symphony orchestras

9. Respighi Today ● Not performed very often today ● Roman Trilogy is most popular