Respighi - St Gregory the Great - Church Windows (4/4) Four Symphonic Impressions

[NinesTempest]

I played this in the Iowa State Symphony Orchestra, and man... it's been my favorite piece ever since. Thanks for having these posted.

[phineas117]

THAT's the music that ended all emerson lake and palmer concerts...WONDERFUL

[FERENCEFF]

There is a wonderful Mercury Living presence recording of Vetrate di Chiesa and Feste Romane by Antal Dorati and the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra. I used it often to show off my HiFi system.

[phineas117]

emmmm that is the tune that emerson lake and palmer ended their concerts with!!!!!

[colinbunnell]

Where did you get these images?! They're fabulous.

[billystewart4]

@colinbunnell

I did a google search for windows and st gregory, saved all that I found, went back and verified that they were actually stained glass windows of St. Gregroy the Great and then posted them. It was time consuming, but I believe that Respighi deserves the best, authentic pictures to accompany his amazing music.

The man was a genius...

[jrosen66]

Why does this not get performed more often? I had not heard of this piece until yesterday! 

[ariastoteles]

Hace muchos años iba con mi madre a escuchar un concierto en el que se presentarían Los Vitrales de Iglesia de Respighi. Por el tráfico sobre Insurgentes, no pudimos llegar. Hoy gracias a billystewart4 es la primera vez que escucho los movimientos 2 y 4. Gracias por compartir.

[Vagabond1951]

The organ is certainly impressive, but for me, the culmination of this piece at about 8:40 still sends chills up my spine with the stereo cranked up all the way. Glorious!

[rredhawk]

At 5:44 it sounds like there's a celesta blending with the strings in the countermelody. Very faint here, and I can't even hear it on my old vinyl copy of this piece. Nice touch--one which I never noticed before.

[shemiska]

It's the first time I've ever heard this composition. Thank you for your excellent

summary. For me, the pipe organ is a very effective inclusion. I say, take the music for what it is; absorb it with the ears and let the brain take it to where it belongs.

I am finding out at this late stage of my life that I really missed a lot by not following Respighi in my youth. I had been given a recording of Pines of Rome and Fountains of Rome. I didn't pay much attention at that time.

[bagpiper4232]

Great low brass feature towards the end! I loved it all the way through!

[sturoc0]

I've been searching for this piece for many years Though I am not well versed in Classical Music Many "progressive " rock groups of the 70's were heavily influenced by the greats. One such group and a favorite of mine: Emerson ( Pianist /composer), Lake and Palmer used the last 42 secs of this piece as exit music for their concerts. It eluded me for so long and now found thru many Google searches tonite. Many Thanks to you Billy for posting this. Now I have a new composer to research and enjoy !

[Skep999]

I heard this on the Classical radio station in Colorado Springs today -- certainly fitting for a Sunday afternoon. My car's motor was still running when that organ at the 4:30 mark of this video caught my ears. I had to stay tuned. I love the percussion in the closing moments, what it adds to this musical painting -- definitely 20th Century, wonderfully Respighi!

[THKLOTTWIZ]

omg...I love the crescendo in this!! Fabulous!!

[SordidGuy]

When that MAGNIFICENT pipe organ enters at 4:30, it's ABSOLUTELY BREATH TAKING!!!!!!

[billystewart4]

Agreed. I can only compare it with Saint-Saens' Maestoso (2nd half of the 2nd movement). Breath taking is a perfect description...

[SordidGuy]

Two other of my myriad of favorites are: Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition - Great Gate of Kiev" and Mahler's "Titan Symphony" in its entirety (Number one in D Major)......

[SordidGuy]

Billy - My only issue is that I cannot find the complete Maestoso of Saint-Seans" Organ Symphony". Each and every one I view do not make that final "jaw dropping and tear jerking" bass pedal note......Any suggestions???

[billystewart4]

I have at least 5 versions of that Sym. Let me take a look and get back to you. I'll post one that I like, but I'll also let you know what it is in case you want to buy...

Best,

Billy

[rredhawk]

@billystewart4 I'll have to check that one out (Saint-Saens' Maestroso). My other favorite powerful organ solo, besides this one by Respighi, can be found about half-way through the 4th movement of Vaughan William's Symphonia Antarctica (7th symphony).

[bd0g33]

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[metallwater]

It is just an experience like travelling out of this world to a better place...Aside from that, a splendid choice to the coming season of introspection.

Thank you Billy, again for uploading the last piece so soon!

Agnes

[billystewart4]

Agnes,

Very glad that you enjoyed the posts.

I love Respighi and he gets far too little attention in my humble opinion.

Best,

Billy