Queen of the
dolomites
(Jacob de Haan)
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 brass 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.