Nino Rota

Chandos' Film Music of Nino Rota features interpretations of the composer's famous film suites and themes by pianist Massimo Palumbo. The solo piano arrangements are particularly striking on "The Godfather" suite, emphasizing the serpentine winding and surprising warmth of its melody. The alternately percussive and rippling "Glass Mountain" suite, the lilting, whimsical "Fanciulle Di Lusso (Luxury Girls)" suite, Rota's brooding theme for "Romeo and Juliet," and the winding, enigmatic "Otto E Mezzo (8 1/2)" theme are other highlights on the album, which also includes music from Fantasmi a Roma (Ghosts in Rome), Guilietta Degli Spiriti (Juliet of the Spirits), and The Taming of the Shrew. The album is both a very enjoyable collection of solo piano interpretations of great film music, and an intimate tribute to a memorable composer. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide