Oue & Minnesota Orchestra: Respighi – Belkis, Queen of Sheeb-Suite & The Pines of Rome (LP, Reference Recordings)

Belkis, Queen of Sheba is a full-length ballet with vocals by Ottorino Respighi from 1931, dedicated to one of the most erotic stories in the Bible: that of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Respighi’s permissiveness initially prevented a performance until La Scala in Milan dared a premiere. This is only the second recording of the suite prepared by the composer and the first to feature the tenor solo (sung by Chad Shelton) and the movements in the correct order. The oriental flair and the uncivilized splendor of the music guarantee enthusiastic listeners.