We are thrilled to finally release our latest video product, Pines of Rome! Written by Italian composer Ottorino Respighi, the work was premiered by the Augusteo Orchestra in Rome on December 14th, 1924. Since then, it has become a standard of orchestral literature and this transcription masterfully translates this work for concert band.
A vivid depiction of Roman life, the composer included these extensive program notes for each of the four movements: The Pines of the Villa Borghese (Allegretto vivace)-Children are at play in the pine groves of the Villa Borghese, dancing the Italian equivalent of “Ring around a Rosy.” They mimic marching soldiers and battles. They twitter and shriek like swallows at evening, coming and going in swarms. Suddenly the scene changes. The Pines Near a Catacomb (Lento)-We see the shadows of the pines, which overhang the entrance of a catacomb. From the depths rises a chant, which echoes solemnly, like a hymn, and is then mysteriously silenced. The Pines of the Janiculum (Lento)-There is a thrill in the air. The full moon reveals the profile of the pines of Gianicolo’s Hill. A nightingale sings. The Pines of the Appian Way (Tempo di Marcia)-Misty dawn on the Appian Way. The tragic country is guarded by solitary pines. Indistinctly, incessantly, the rhythm of unending steps. The poet has a fantastic vision of past glories. Trumpets blare, and the army of the Consul bursts forth in the grandeur of a newly risen sun toward the Sacred Way, mounting in triumph the Capitoline Hill.
Fun fact: This piece was one of the first pieces to include electronic sounds. At the end of the third movement, the composer calls for the sound of a nightingale to take over from the ensemble.
We hope you enjoy our rendition of Ottorino Respighi’s “Pines of Rome”!
Pines of Rome - Ottorino Respighi
Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Larry Odom, arranger
The United States Air Force Band
Colonel Don Schofield, conductor
0:00 - I. I pini di Villa Borghese (The Pines of Villa Borghese)
2:46 - II. Pini presso una catacomba (Pines near a catacomb)
9:22 - III. I pini del Gianicolo (The Pines of the Janiculum)
15:41 - IV. I pini della Via Appia (The Pines of the Appian Way)
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Credits
Colonel Don Schofield - Executive Producer
Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Hoffmann - Producer/Videographer
Senior Master Sgt. Emily Wellington - Assistant Producer/Videographer
Technical Sgt. Pedro Rodríguez Ramírez - Recording/Mixing Engineer
Technical Sgt. Jim Woolf - Assistant Recording Engineer
Technical Sgt. Anthony O'Connor - Assistant Recording Engineer
Senior Master Sgt. Mari Washington - Recording Assistant
Kendall Thomsen - Editing Engineer
Bruce Leek - Mastering Engineer
Senior Master Sgt. Chad Randolph - Lighting
Master Sgt. Tim Hilgert - Senior Video Editor
Master Sgt. Kevin Cerovich - Videographer/Video Editor
Technical Sgt. Nadia Sosnoski - Video Editor
Technical Sgt. Dan Dowling - Video Editor
Technical Sgt. Carolyn Braus - Video Editor
Master Sgt. Matt Dannan - Music Librarian