Castle of Saint Angelo, The

Castel Sant'Angelo

The Castle of Saint Angelo, built in 139AD, has a rich history in Rome - from being used as a mausoleum to a fortress to a papal residence and place of refuge for the pope. It is a magnificent example of the temporal and spiritual power that embodies Rome. Zaninelli brilliantly captures these ideas in this 5-1/2 minute work for wind orchestra.

Program Notes

The Castle of Saint Angelo (Castel Sant’Angelo) was originally built in 139 A.D. by the Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum. Between 270 and 275 A.D., it was fortified and became a fortress. In 1277, it was acquired by the Vatican and became a papal residence and a place of refuge in case of danger. A secret corridor connects the Castle of Saint Angelo with the Vatican. This corridor was used by Clement VII and his Swiss Guards during the sack of Rome in 1527. At the top of the fortress is a bronze statue of an angel who, in 570, according to legend, appeared and miraculously ended a severe plague that had infested the city of Rome. The Castle of Saint Angelo is a magnificent example of the temporal and spiritual power that embodies Rome.

Grade Level: 3.5
Copyright: 2012
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 5:40
Type: With Soloist
Programming: Multicultural

Listen to Recordings

Instrumentation

Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe 1
Oboe 2
English Horn
Solo Bb Clarinet 1
Bb Clarinet 1
Bb Clarinet 2
Bb Clarinet 3
Bb Bass Clarinet
Eb Contralto Clarinet
Bassoon 1
Bassoon 2
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpet 1
Bb Trumpet 2
Bb Trumpet 3
F Horn 1
F Horn 2
F Horn 3
F Horn 4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
(TC Baritone)
Tuba
String Bass

Timpani (4)
Bells & Chimes
Vibraphone
Percussion (Tam-Tam, Crash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal)
Snare Drum & Bass Drum