Respighi is chiefly known for his vivid symphonic poems, in particular Fontane di Roma (‘Fountains of Rome’), Pini di Roma (‘Pines of Rome’) and Feste romane (‘Roman Festivals’), the last even more a celebration of the revived spirit of nationalism in the Italy of his time.
"In the symphonic poems Karajan is in his element, and the playing of the Berlin Philharmonic is wonderfully refined as well as exciting." --The Penguin Guide to Recorded Classical Music
