Respighi - St Michael the Archangel - Church Windows (2/4) Four Symphonic Impressions

Respighi, who proved with his Roman triad that he was a man who composed well in the form of tone or symphonic poem, was out of character in writing his "Vetrate di chiesa" ("Church Windows"); the subtitle, "Four Symphonic Impressions", was odd as these were not "impressions" at all.

Respighi composed three pieces for piano while vacationing with his wife in Capri in 1919. The three piano pieces were titled "Tre preludi sopra melodie gregoriane (Three Preludes on Gregorian Melodies)".

Respighi revisited the pieces and transcribed them for large orchestra, adding a fourth piece in order to make the symphonic suite complete. The names of the pieces came long after, based upon the feel of the pieces. Respighi and his close friend, librettist and literature professor, Claudio Guastalla, worked together to provide titles that would tie each of the pieces to stained glass windows of churches in Italy; they went so far as to provide scriptural references or libretto-like religious texts to accompany the pieces.

But this was all done after the pieces were written...

Presented here is "San Michele Arcangelo" ("Saint Michael the Archangel"), the title inspired by the war-like sounds of the piece which Claudio Guastalla imagined as, "a clash of weapons - a battle in the skies", as described in Revelation; the battle between Saint Michael and his Angels and the dragon, at the end of time.

The piece is performed here by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, led by Jesus Lopez-Cobos, a wonderful interpreter of Respighi's works, in my humble opinion.

Enjoy!

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[acuario1002]

Congratulations for this video, is a wonderfull masterpice by Respighi and a exellent video of the church windows of St. Michel. i`m very glad about this video because I just herd this pice in a concert in my city with the Orquesta Sinfònica de Puebla and I like it very much ¡Thanks for posting it!

[billystewart4]

I must say I am jealous that you heard this live. My local symphony is pretty boring and plays only the standard fare.

Thank you for the kind words.

Best,

Billy

[KZ2Snipa]

Thank you so much for uploading these!! OUr marching band is playing this this year!

[billystewart4]

Please, if you play this, post it if you can and let me know it has been posted. Would love to see it.

Thank you for the comment.

[insidiousMUSIC]

thanks for uploading this! =)

[billystewart4]

Happy to share!

Thanks for the comment.

Best,

Billy

[clemtigers2006]

Played it in Crown this year. Amazing piece.

[vannaalovee]

oh my god, the low brass rules in this.

[TheKingLunar]

I love the trumpet solo at 3:29!

[NuvoleRum]

wow is world of warcraft

[sissy00couch]

It appears that my marching band isnt the only one that played this in their show :D

[thedukeoftbc]

@TromboneMasterMan Pete is my lessons teacher. I literally live down the street from him. i walk to my lessons lol. Been friends with his sons for a good 16 years

[TheKingLunar]

We played this in my Marching Band this year, search for "2011 Golden Regiment Indy preliminary".

[cherubijn100]

Beautiful video images and great music!

[Arcadeburner1]

After listening to the low bass I JUST WANNA KICK SOMETHING IN THE FACE. IT'S SO AWESOME.

[WHOOITSDAVE]

Our high school marching band is playing a version of this for our show... May i say, i am SO glad I am a baritone! XD

[Insabanua]

Friedrich Nietzsche is my savior <3

[TromboneMasterMan]

Pete Norton is my hero. :3