Respighi: Violin Concerto in A major

Although Respighi’s reputation rests on the justly celebrated trilogy of Roman tone poems, he also wrote a number of distinguished works in other forms. His unfinished First Violin Concerto in A major (1903) was recently revised and completed by composer/conductor Salvatore Di Vittorio, who directed its première in 2010. This is the world premiere recording of the Violin Concerto, performed by the young Italian violinist Laura Marzadori. Harking back to the masterful writing of Vivaldi and Mendelssohn, the Concerto also foreshadows the orchestral technicolour of the great Italian composer’s ‘Roman Trilogy’. The lyrical Aria and graceful Suite, newly transcribed by Di Vittorio, embody Respighi’s abiding love of Baroque music, while Rossiniana is a delightful reworking of Rossini’s piano music, Les riens (Trifles), much enhanced by Respighi’s contribution of new melodies and innovative orchestration.