Nino Rota's most beautiful pieces

[garybagrov]

Dear DWAYNE2005,

Thanks so much to posting these pieces.Many of us know and love Nino Rota for his soundtracks, which have added glory to the timeless masterpieces by Fellini , Visconti , and Zefirelli.You have added some of his "classical" pieces and different arrangements of his famous "hits",thus showing Nino Rota as a VERSATILE composer of great and still underestimated talent.

[Esmargod]

what a sublime gift you give us !

[rosten736]

This is a nice introduction to Rota. I had not been that familiar with his music outside of Godfather and Romeo & Juliet as he is more famous for film music. The only one I'd add to your list is Cena a tema from Il gattopardo (the Leopard) from 1963

[kasuni2009]

Romeo and Juliet piece gives me shivers....

[tarantellaonline]

Yes. Sadly the ASV label was absorbed into the Universal Classics but never made it re-issue of many of its back catalogues.

[trynour]

every one is free to choose his favorite pieces of music

[johnthedarkwingduck]

Was I not paying attention or did you omit his "Piano Concerto in E Minor"? I personally think that is Nino Rota's magnum opus, it is so awesome.

[19eefje89]

I once heard a violin solo from La Dolce Vita... that was so beautiful but I cannot find it anywhere on the internet..

Does anyone know where I can find it?

[dwayne2005]

I think you may be thinking of La Strada, where 'the Fool' plays a violin in a tent. It is the main theme Rota composed for the film, majorly inspired by a piece by Dvorak. I don't believe that violin solo was released on the original soundtrack.

[natlover487]

Do you know where I can find/purchase the songs that he did for Romeo and Juliet?

[dwayne2005]

The ideal recording is out of print from the late '90s. You can see the cover and hear the samples at 6:30 here. It is Rota conducting is own score, the same recording used in the film. It was last released on Silva Screen but also Cloud Nine records, and you may chance find them on eBay. Silva Screen came back with a re-recording after 2000 of the "complete score". You can find it at Amazon or eBay. It's not of the same standard, and What is a Youth is performed badly, but it's mostly fine.

[dwayne2005]

Keep in mind, though, avoid the Capitol release of the O.S.T., it is coupled with dialogue that in a lot of places completely relegates the music and is about 30 minutes long.

[bonjoursalutallo14]

His best work was the godfather music

[videorarities065]

I have the film on dvd if interested.

Thanks

[stupat3]

I am trying to find the title song from Venetian Bird(1952),starring Richard Todd.

Score was written by Nino Rota.

[dwayne2005]

I haven't heard this one, regrettably. I've sampled some other themes from around this period, though. By the way, I've never seen Venetian Bird on CD anywhere. IMO, it's hopeless trying to track it down. I've been pretty thorough.

[stupat3]

Hi Dwayne,

I too have tried to track it down thro itunes and other searches , to no avail.

Perhaps somebody somewhere will come up with it. Thanks for your interest.

Stuart

[dwayne2005]

There really should make a CD devoted to his uncovered film themes. Some are essential and not available on CD (The Reluctant Saint, Anna [the Greatest Hits V.2 release is mediocre, it doesn't qualify], Mambo, Pirates of Capri, Submarine Attack) others are only available in piano solo (Obsession). Maybe Rota reused the material for VB (which he frequently did) and may be covered elsewhere in his catalogue (eg. a large part of the Mambo theme became Piano Concerto in E minor middle movement).

[stupat3]

Thanks for info Dwayne, I'll keep looking.

stuart

[cattleman6420012000]

Absolutely superb!

[mrskitty3]

That was lovely.