Respighi, O :: Villanella and Tarantella

Alry Publications presents Ottorino Respighi's 'Villanella' and 'Tarantella' arranged for piccolo and piano by Mary Ann and Frank Archer.

Performance Notes by Mary Ann Archer: The 'Villanella' from Ottorino Respighi's 'Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite No. 1' (1917) is one of my all-time favorite pieces. The orchestral version begins with soft pizzicato in the strings, but I find that on piano it sounds better if the notes are softly sustained. The first and last sections are wondrously bittersweet, as though being slightly wistful in a beautiful place, while the middle section seems like a remembrance of joy. This piece can be played alone or can be paired with the complete change of pace of the 'Tarantella'.

Respighi's 'Tarantella' from his orchestral ballet music 'La Boutique Fantasque' (1919) is based upon the original and highly popular patter song 'La Danza' originally from Gioacchino Rossini's 'Les Soirees Musicales' of 1835. Note that when slurring from a high A quickly to a high E, the E comes out better by removing the right pinky finger from the E-flat key. While it's just terrific fun to show off technical virtuosity, it is important to honour the 'Neapolitan song' quality of this work's roots too. Enjoy this romping, good-natured tune!