Pines of Rome (arr. Curnow)

From Wind Repertory Project
Ottorino Respighi

Ottorino Respighi (arr. James Curnow)


Subtitle: Finale – The Pines of the Appian Way


General Info

Year: 1924 / 1996
Duration: c. 4:55
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Orchestra
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $70.00   |   Score Only (print) - $5.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo/Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II
Trombone I-II
Euphonium
Tuba/Contra-Bass
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Gong
  • Orchestra Bells
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Triangle


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Pines of Rome (Pini di Roma) is the second of three tone poems written by Respighi between 1917 and 1929. These tone poems are the most well-known works in his oeuvre. Pines of Rome combines his skill for colorful orchestration with his interest in early music, particularly medieval music and folk songs. This work is based on children’s folk tunes, which he learned from his wife. Premiered on December 14, 1924, at the Teatro Augusteo in Rome, Pines of Rome initially received boos and hisses from the audience at the end of the first movement due to its “discordant trumpet writing,” and the nightingale sound at the end of the third movement wasn’t appreciated much either. The rest of the piece was well received, rewarded with a standing ovation. The work was premiered in the United States by Arturo Toscanini in 1926 and has since become a staple of the repertoire.

In four movements, Respighi notates specifically in the score how he envisioned each movement. He offers the following:

IV. The Pines of the Appian Way
Misty dawn on the Appian Way: solitary pine trees guarding the magic landscape; the muffled, ceaseless rhythm of unending footsteps. The poet has a fantastic vision of bygone glories: trumpets sound and, in the brilliance of the newly risen sun, a consular army bursts forth towards the Sacred Way, mounting in triumph to the Capitol.

- Program note by Seth Wollam for the Lone Star Wind Orchestra


James Curnow's adaptations of classic works for younger groups have become standard literature for many directors who seek the highest quality works for their younger groups. This edition of Respighi's famous finale to the Pines of Rome is a real gem, putting the original's power and majesty within the reach of most bands.

- Program Note from publisher


Media


State Ratings

  • Minnesota: III
  • North Carolina: V
  • South Carolina: V
  • Tennessee: IV
  • West Virginia: III


Performances

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Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources

  • Girsberger, Russ. Percussion Assignments for Band & Wind Ensemble: Volume 2 L-Z. Galesville, MD: Meredith Music Publications, 2004, 247. Print.
  • Perusal score
  • Pines of Rome. Wikipedia. Accessed 21 February 2019
  • Respighi, O.; Curnow, J. (1996). The Pines of Rome Finale: The Pines of the Appian Way [score]. Hal Leonard: Milwaukee, Wisc.
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