Queen of the Dolomites

The Italian Cortina d’Ampezzo—the ‘Queen of the Dolomites’—is one the most popular holiday destinations in the world. The fabulous alpine scene is set by peaks such those of the Tofane and Cristello soaring above the town. The meadows and woods of the Ampezzo basin attract countless sports enthusiasts and other visitors who simply want to relax in this chocolate-box scenery.

The introductory theme of this composition echoes the majestic size of the so-called crown of mountains visible from Cortina. Then a lyrical theme sounds, reflecting the calm of the surrounding mountain panorama, and we also hear the houses of Cortina nestling in the valley below. Back in the village we hear the sounds of the lively Italian band entertaining the skiers who have returned from the ski lifts. Then the lyrical theme returns once more, but this time in tribute to the majestic ‘throne’ on which the village sits as Queen of the Dolomites. The piece ends with the regal sounds of the first theme, which affords us another spectacular view of the wonderful crown of mountains.