Respighi: Ancient Airs and Dances; Trittico botticelliano
All the music on this enchanting and well-filled disc provides ample evidence of the  composer's love affair with the music and art of the Italian Renaissance. TheAncient Airs and  Danceswere originally works for lute, and Respighi has arranged them for several different  chamber orchestras, ranging from just strings, to strings and winds with harpsichord, and a full  ensemble including trombones. TheThree Botticelli Picturesincludes a musical illustration  one of the most famous paintings of all time:The Birth of Venus, more colloquially known  (thanks to Kurt Vonnegut) as "Venus on the Half Shell." Lively performances of lovely music.- -David Hurwitz