'Pines of Rome' - by Ottorino Respighi

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)

#USAFBand #concertband #classicalmusic

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

[Nigelrathbone]

I like how you could hear the english horn enter soli after the oboe solo but perfectly in pitch so the only difference you hear is added layer of timbre. Such amazing clarity and balance.

[BANDLDR]

The clarity of this performance is ridiculous and the recording quality that captures it all is nuts.
So glad I listened to this with some decent headphones!

[jamross]

Such artful playing! Our DC Service Bands: The Best Use of US Tax Dollars!!!

[shaunsalem]

Incredible sound and clarity. It might be the first recording I’ve listened to that fully clarifies the beginning of the Catacombs movement. Many of the recordings I’ve heard play it so softly that it’s unclear / inaudible at the very beginning. Awesome performance! Well played!

[greghudon]

ASTONISHED BY THE musicians. They are fabulous. Loved the bass clarinetist . Trumpets are so amazing..

[dbfaf]

It is very interesting and cool to hear the music "dry" without echoes of large concert halls and without big string section. Clever arrangement.

[RogerSmallwood]

I have heard many orchestral versions of the Pines of Rome, I think your version, is beautifully played with clarity, and power which captures the spirit of Rome. Congratulations to you all. Bravo😊❤️

[kimhoefgen]

Where has these beautiful videos been hiding? I can't believe that I have missed this. Not any more. I am a long time musician and now devote my time to taking veterans on their HONOR FLIGHTS. Our last one in the spring it was my honor to sit with an Air Force Brig. General. Thank you all for your service, no matter what lt may be.🇺🇸🇺🇸

[barbarapatten]

Your description is excellent, and very helpful in my understanding, and visualization, of this amazing concert piece. Thank you.

[vengr]

God how I miss the privilege of being one of the few getting to partake in that epic playing *Pines of the Appian Way* back in my Junior year up at Music in May at Beaverton Oregon...

[rdGUMObro]

What a great recording! Excellent playing of course, but such a good sound quality. Really appreciate you posting this!

[lorywhite]

I I sure hope this group does more recording in the future. I really want to listen to more of their playing.🎉

[randymichel]

Saw you all when you came to Huntington, WV a few years ago. Hope you all come back soon!

[michaeljones]

Great sound. Each player is very powerful. A lot of advanced ranks tells you very experienced group....

[scottf]

Amazing performance - thanks for sharing!

[bobpai]

My favorite American Band right now! Congratulations, great sound.

[turnne]

Very nice playing...Love the clarity and articulation. The third movement is very " reedy" sounding and I like it

[debclare]

Yes, just gorgeous. Thank you for all the hard work and talent that went into this production. And yes, Jeremy's solo was beautiful as was everyone else's, and the ensemble playing was lovely. (Jeremy's mom ❤)

[ericcommarato]

This is as fine and beautifully done as any symphony orchestra I have heard perform this. Bravo!

[grantkoeller]

I played this in the USAF Band Of Liberty, 1994.
TSgt Grant Koeller, Retired,
USAF Bands