Ottorino Respighi – Fontane di Roma

“Fontane di Roma” (Fountains of Rome) is a 1916 work by the Italian composer Ottorino Respighi, now considered part of the Roman Trilogy of symphonic poems along with Feste Romane and Pini di Roma. Each of the four sections is meant to depict one of Rome’s fountains during different periods of the day and night. Arturo Toscanini originally planned to conduct the work in 1916, but the Italian composer refused to appear for the performance after a disagreement over his having included some of Wagner’s music on a program played during World War I. Consequently, it did not premiere until March 11, 1917 where it appeared at the Teatro Augusteo in Rome with Antonio Guarnieri as conductor. Although the premiere was unsuccessful, Toscanini finally conducted the work in Milan in 1918 with tremendous success. The piece was first performed in the United States on February 13, 1919.
Movements:
1. “La fontana di Valle Giulia all’alba”
2. “La fontana del Tritone al mattino”
3. “La fontana di Trevi al meriggio”
4. “La fontana di Villa Medici al tramonto”
The first section, “La fontana di Valle Giulia all’Alba”, shows this fountain at daybreak in a pastoral landscape, in which cattle pass during the morning.
In the second section “La fontana del Tritone al mattino”, Naiads and Tritons dancing in the morning light, as figures of the Bernini fountain are seen nearby. Gods and goddesses using conch shells are portrayed by the French horn.
The third section introduces “La fontana di Trevi al meriggio” and is ushered in by a triumph giving news of a recent victory by the god Neptune.
The final section, “La fontana di Villa Medici al tramonto”, portrays a much more melancholic atmosphere, as the brilliance of the sun fades.