Engineer Keith O. Johnson says 'Dazzling orchestral colors' is one one way to describe the music of Ottorino Respighi. 'Belkis, Queen of Sheba' was conceived as an evening-long ballet with singing. The music's oriental perfumes and barbaric splendor guarantee the enthusiasm of anyone who hears it. Another sonic masterpiece from Reference Recordings.

2001 Grammy Nominee for Best Engineered Classical Album

• Limited Edition
• Reference Mastercuts
• LP 180 Gram Audiophile Virgin Vinyl
• Half-speed mastered by Paul Stubblebine
• Pressed at Quality Record Pressings QRP, USA
• Deluxe gatefold cover

First LP Edition: Half-Speed Mastered & Pressed on 200g Vinyl at Quality Record Pressings

Keith O. Johnson, Engineer "Dazzling orchestral colors," is one one way to describe the music of Ottorino Respighi. "Belkis, Queen of Sheba" was conceived as an evening-long ballet with singing whose lavishness has kept it from view since its La Scala premiere. This is only the second recording of a suite prepared by the composer – for the first time with the tenor solo (sung by Chad Shelton), and with the movements in the correct order. The music's oriental perfumes and barbaric splendor guarantee the enthusiasm of anyone who hears it. "Prof." Johnson's stunning sonics make Respighi’s greatest hit "The Pines of Rome" (with extra brasses and organ!) a dazzling conclusion to this unusual, inventive program.

Mastering Details:

Disc mastering is done at half-speed to insure maximum accuracy. The lathe system has custom electronics by Nelson Pass. The simple signal path contains no compression, equalization or unnecessary circuitry. RR Chief Engineer and Technical Director, “Prof.” Keith Johnson consulted on the design of the system and helped with the rebuilding of the lathe and electronics, which is owned and operated by long-time mastering expert Paul Stubblebine. “Prof.” Johnson has pronounced it equal to the challenge of RR's master tapes!

Half-speed Mastering involves a capturing process in which the original recording master is played back at exactly half of the recorded speed. A sequenced cutting lathe is then timed at exactly half of the playback speed. This process allows twice as much time to carve a groove that accurately represents the sound on the master tape. Half-speed mastering allows for cleaner reproduction and also permits extended high frequency response, extending into the ultrasonic region.

Musicians:

Ottorino Respighi (composer)
Eiji Oue (conductor)
Chad Shelton (tenor)
Minnesota Orchestra

Track Listing:

Respighi - Belkis, Queen Of Sheba - Pines Of Rome - Eiji Oue - Minnesota Orchestra 

1. The Pines of Rome - The Pines of the Villa Borghese
2. The Pines of Rome - The Pines Near a Catacomb
3. The Pines of Rome - The Pines of the Janiculum
4. The Pines of Rome - The Pines of the Appian Way
5. Belkis, Queen of Sheba - Solomon's Dream
6. Belkis, Queen of Sheba - The Dance of Belkis at Dawn
7. Belkis, Queen of Sheba - War Dance
8. Belkis, Queen of Sheba - Orgiastic Dance