Ottorino Respighi’s Fountains of Rome (1916), the first of his three famed tone poems on Roman themes, was a fine starting point for this compelling Adelaide Symphony Orchestra concert, as it induced in the listener a sonically attentive and visually imaginative state. Respighi’s music is inspired by and pays homage to that fabled city and its ancient history, legends and mythology. The Fountains of Rome is a work of great orchestral colour and vitality, portraying these glorious landmarks at times of the day that bring out the best in each, and characterising the themes and stories depicted in them.

Colin Prichard Joe Chindamo

Colin Prichard and Joe Chindamo on stage at Adelaide Town Hall. Photo © Claudio Raschellá

With our ears and minds thus opened, we then heard the world premiere of renowned Australian jazz pianist Joe Chindamo’s Ligeia Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra, which proved to be the centrepiece of the concert. Commissioned by the ASO, Ligeia is in three dramatic movements: Animato, Adagio/Valzer de Ligeia/Cadenza and Attacca/Avventuroso and it was inspired by Edgar Allen Poe’s story of that name. The concerto evokes the supernatural nature of Poe’s story,...