Roma Today

Puccini once said, ‘there is more music in Perosi’s head than in mine and Mascagni’s put together’. Priest-composer Lorenzo Perosi achieved international celebrity by the late 1890s for his sacred music, and he also composed a fine selection of chamber works that are little known today. Perosi’s Piano Quintets have a fresh and spontaneous feel, even though they were written while he grieved the loss of his brother. Combining bold rhythms and solemn spiritual depth, these works along with the Second String Trio are all respectful of tradition while representing an exploration of new paths unique in Italian music of the time.

Respighi is best remembered for his scenic views of Rome, namely the wonderfully descriptive triptych Feste romane, Fontane di Roma and Pini di Roma; look beyond these works, however, and youll find a sizeable, rich and varied orchestral output unsurprising for a composer who is today regarded as one of the supreme masters of orchestration.