Castelnuovo-Tedesco: Concerto for Violin
and Orchestra No. 2 "I profeti"

Respighi: Concerto gregoriano

In his concerto "The Prophets", Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco turns to the old testament for inspiration. The work represents what he called "the ethnical environment" of his music. He said: "The composition is supposed to be a kind of biblical concerto, an evocation of times in the glorious past." The composer uses traditional Jewish melodies or fragments of melodies for the principal themes of the concerto. The violin writing is virtuosic and technically demanding; the instrumentation brilliant, dramatic, and heroic.

Ottorino Respighi considered the Concerto gregoriano one of his best works, but did not live to witness its success. The concerto embodies peace and spirituality, conveyed through Gregorian Chants, open harmonies, and beautiful orchestration.

The music on this CD is performed by José Miguel Cueto on violin, and the St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Vladimir Lande.

Catalog: MAR 407