Inspired by one of his students and his later wife, Ottorino Respighi composed in 1922 Vetrate di Chiesa (The Church Windows). This four movement Symphonic Suite is based on Gregorian melodies. It's a typical Respighi composition, with all of his characteristic colours, extreme dynamics and beautiful melodies. San Michel Arcangelo is the second movement of the Suite: The tumultuous music suggested 'a clash of weapons - a battle in the skies' and so it was given the title 'Saint Michael Archangel', taken from the Revelation of St. John the Divine.
