Performed by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Giordano Bellincampi
Detail of Archangel Michael on stained glass window in St. Stephen the Martyr Daily Mass Chapel in Omaha. Photo: ex wikimedia CC4.0
Respighi was initially introduced to mediaeval Gregorian plainchant by his wife, Elsa Respighi. This work started life as a series of piano pieces: Three Preludes on Gregorian Melodies.
In the finished symphonic poem, there are four movements, inspired by a general religious feeling – imaginary scenes rather than any existing church windows.
It was Respighi’s close friend and librettist Claudio Guastalla, who came up with the title of Church Windows, and even wrote poetic lines to join the titles to the music after it was completed..
- The Flight into Egypt…..the little caravan proceeded through the desert, in the starry night, carrying the treasure of the World
- St Michael Archangel….And a great battle was made in the Heavens: Michael and his Angels fought with the dragon, and fought the dragon and his angels. But these did not prevail, and there was no more place for them in heaven.
- The Matins of St Clare…But Jesus Christ her bridegroom, not wishing to leave her thus disconsolate, had her miraculously carried by the angels to the Church of St Francis, and to be at the whole function of Matins
- St Gregory the Great….Ecce Pontifex Maximus! Behold the Pontiff! Bless the Lord…Sing the hymn to God. Alleluia!
Programme Note: Carey McDonald
Recorded by RNZ Concert in Auckland Town Hall, 15 July 2021
Engineer: Adrian Hollay; Producer: Tim Dodd
