Ottorino Respighi
Quiz Yourself About Respighi
14. Who was Respighi’s wife, and why was she so important in terms of his music?
Elsa Respighi was born in 1894 and passed away in 1969. She was much more than just Ottorino Respighi’s wife—she was a key figure in preserving and promoting his musical legacy. After his death in 1936, Elsa devoted herself to safeguarding his manuscripts, letters, and personal effects. Her meticulous work ensured that his compositions continued to be performed, studied, and appreciated by subsequent generations, cementing his place as one of the early 20th century's most innovative composers.
Respighi and his wife Elsa in the garden of their idyllic Roman villa
Elsa in her later years
