Respighi – Belkis, Queen of Sheba-Suite – The Pines Of Rome – Vinyl LP

First LP Edition: Half-Speed Mastered & Pressed on 200g Vinyl at Quality Record Pressings.

Keith O. Johnson, Engineer “Dazzling orchestral colors,” is one one way to describe the music of Ottorino Respighi. “Belkis, Queen of Sheba” was conceived as an evening-long ballet with singing whose lavishness has kept it from view since its La Scala premiere. This is only the second recording of a suite prepared by the composer – for the first time with the tenor solo (sung by Chad Shelton), and with the movements in the correct order. The music’s oriental perfumes and barbaric splendor guarantee the enthusiasm of anyone who hears it. “Prof.” Johnson’s stunning sonics make Respighi’s greatest hit “The Pines of Rome” (with extra brasses and organ!) a dazzling conclusion to this unusual, inventive program.

Reference Recordings’ gatefold 200g LP edition does not include quite the same music as the compact disc RR-95 version. Due to LP length constraints it does not include “Dance of the Gnomes.”

Tracklist

The Pines Of Rome

A1 The Pines Of The Villa Borghese
A2 The Pines Near A Catacomb
A3 The Pines Of The Janiculum
A4 The Pines Of The Appian Way

Belkis, Queen Of Sheba – Suite

B1 Solomon’s Dream
B2 The Dance Of Belkis At Dawn
B3 War Dance
B4 Orgiastic Dance