Ottorino Respighi

Full biography Ottorino Respighi

Ottorino Respighi was an Italian composer and musicologist born in Bologna, Italy on July 9, 1879. He is best known for his orchestral compositions, particularly his thematic trilogy "Roman Tone Pictures", "Roman Festivals", and "Fountains of Rome".

Respighi grew up in a musical family and began studying violin and piano at an early age. He later went on to study composition with Giuseppe Martucci and Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov.

In addition to his compositions, Respighi was also a musicologist and scholar, researching and publishing about early Venetian music and Gregorian chant.

Respighi's music was influenced by the works of his Italian predecessors, such as Antonio Vivaldi and Giuseppe Verdi, and also incorporated elements of folk music and ancient musical styles.

Throughout his career, Respighi was recognized for his innovative approach to orchestration, which involved using unusual instrument combinations and incorporating non-traditional sounds, such as bird calls and church bells.

Some of Respighi's other well-known works include his "Trittico Botticelliano", "Ancient Airs and Dances", and the oratorio "Laude per la Natività del Signore".

Respighi continued to compose and teach until his death on April 18, 1936 in Rome, Italy. Through his contributions to Italian music and his unique style, he has left a lasting impact on the classical music world.