"Oue plays each piece to the hilt; I cannot imagine more precise, more lovingly conducted performances. As for the recording, I’m running out of superlatives – it is brilliant and weighty, with tremendous undistorted dynamics."–Peter Aczel, THE AUDIO CRITIC
Selected by SoundStage!.com as "Best Audiophile Recording, 2001"
"This CD is a bonanza for fans of Respighi, of orchestral spectaculars, and of great demo music . . .The Reference team of Tam Henderson and Keith Johnson continues to set the bar for orchestral recording. . . It offers a challenge for your system and nourishment for your imagination. Unless you're one of those unfortunates who don't enjoy large-scale orchestral music, this is a must-have." – Wayne Donnelly, LISTENER
"Respighi has not sounded like this on discs since -- well, let's say since never before. . . Of the seven Oue/Minnesota CDs I know, this is easily the grandest, musically as well as sonically." -- Roger Dettmer, ClassicalCDReviews
"This is exceptional work, even by Reference Recordings' own high standards. To the expected dynamic range, low-frequency definition, and clear imaging -- all by now hallmarks of digital processing -- this disc adds a gratifying sense of breathing space around the instrumental sound, such as was previously only heard on specially mastered LPs. The crescendos don't merely get louder -- the textures fill out and blossom. The climaxes surge without taking on a glossy veneer. The brass reproduction, minus the hard edge that frequently passes for "impact," is particularly open and airy, but the soft music is equally, tangibly vivid." -- Steve Vasta, CDNOW
"Stunning accounts of BELKIS and PINES OF ROME." -- Haller, AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE
"Colorful,thrilling performances of BELKIS, as Respighi would have preferred, and of the quirky gnomes piece, delivered in superb sound, makes this a compulsory purchase for every Respighi devotee." -- Ian Lace, FANFARE (Also, chosen for his WISH LIST -- one of the five best releases of 2001.)
"This is an absolutely splendid PINES OF ROME, in top-of-the-line sound. And for heaven's sake, let it all hang out! Turn the volume way up, open your doors and windows, and give your neighbors a treat." -- King Durkee, Copley News Service
Labels: Reference Recordings, reference recordings hrx, Respighi, Respighi HRx, Respighi's Birthday