Feste Romane

Feste Romane (Italian ?Roman Festivals?) was a 1926 work written by the Italian composer Ottorino Respighi as a satire of the Roman Empire. It is now considered a part of the Roman Trilogy of symphonic poems (along with Pini di Roma and Fontane di Roma) - which are orchestra pieces set to a specific theme, tale or setting. Within the first movement called Circenses - or ?circuses?, the music presents the theme of an ancient contest in which gladiators battle to the death. Trumpets portray the hums of Christian martyrs are then heard against the beast in which they are pitted. Here, a great deal of influence is given from Gregorian Chant. The Gubileo - or Jubilee, portrays the fiftieth year of festivals in Roman tradition. Pilgrims approach Rome catching a breath-taking view from Mt. Mario, as church bells ring in the background. L?Ottobrata - or the Harvest of October represents the harvest and hunt in Rome. The French horn solo celebrates the harvest as bells portray love seranades. The final movement, called La Befana - or the Epiphany, in the Piazza Niovana, trumpets sound in the clamour of Roman songs and dances.

Related Topics:
Feste Romane - Italian - 1926 - Italian - Composer - Ottorino Respighi - Roman Empire - Symphonic poem - Pini di Roma - Fontane di Roma - Movement - Gladiator - Christian - Martyrs - Gregorian Chant - Rome - Mt. Mario

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