Composer

:

Ottorino Respighi

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1906

Average_duration

:

9:39

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Ottorino Respighi's 'Canti all'antica (5)', also known as 'Ancient Airs and Dances Suite No. 1', is a collection of five pieces for orchestra. The suite was composed in 1917 and premiered in Milan on February 21, 1918, conducted by the composer himself. The first movement, 'Balletto detto il Conte Orlando', is a lively dance in 6/8 time, based on a melody from a 16th-century lute piece by Simone Molinaro. The second movement, 'Gagliarda', is a fast and energetic dance in triple meter, based on a melody from a 16th-century dance manual by Caroso. The third movement, 'Villanella', is a pastoral dance in 6/8 time, based on a melody from a 16th-century collection of Italian songs. The fourth movement, 'Passo mezzo e mascherada', is a combination of two dances in 3/4 time, based on melodies from a 16th-century lute book by Cesare Negri. The final movement, 'Saltarello', is a fast and lively dance in 6/8 time, based on a melody from a 14th-century manuscript. The suite is characterized by Respighi's use of orchestration to enhance the original melodies, with colorful and imaginative instrumentation. Overall, 'Canti all'antica (5)' is a charming and delightful suite that showcases Respighi's skill in adapting and arranging ancient melodies for modern orchestral performance.

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