Melody starved?

I just wanted to point out some CD's of Respighi's lesser-known music that
have been of lasting pleasure to me.

Two are on a Chandos disc, (CHAN9232), with the typically Respigian
titles, "Concerto Gregoriano" and the "Poem Autumnal," for solo Violin and
orchestra featuring Mordkovich and the BBC Phil/Downes.  The other piece
that I think is just a gem is called "Adagio con Variazioni," for cello and
orchestra, just recently discovered in 1991 in Pierre Boulez' basement.
(Yeah right; actually the manuscript was found in a private library in
Ferrara.) The Adagio is contained on a CD, (DG435781), called "Adagio"
and features Mischa Maisky and the Orchestra of Paris/Bychkov.

Should you expect the bombast of the Roman Triptich? No.  Colorful
re-workings of early music, as in the Ancient Airs? No again.  The sparkle
of the Botticelli Pictures? Nope.  All are meditative and undramatic,
yet infused with beautiful and potent melodies surrounded by a luminous
orchestral accompaniment.  To give you an idea of Respighi's intent, here
are some of the mov't directives:  Andante tranquillo, Calmo, Andante
expressivo e sostenuto--I recommend these works even to Donald Satz after
a hectic day at the office!  ;)

Famous last words I know, but I can't imagine anyone not enjoying these
works--whether you like the poise and restraint of the Classical era, or
the autumnal musings of late Strauss--give 'em a try.

John Smyth