Customer Reviews

Prokofiev: Cinderella,Op.87 / Glazunov: The Seasons,Op.67

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Excellent recording. Along with the Previn/LSO version on EMI, this is one of two great recordings of "Cinderella." However, the "filler" here is more gratifying than the one provided on Previn disks (Prokofiev's Classical Symphony). Nonetheless, both recordings are excellent. No need to go to other more expensive yet less satisfying versions.

This is an unbelievably wonderful recording of Prokofiev's ballet `Cinderella.' It is far better than Andre Previn's recording with the London Symphony. The Cleveland Orchestra plays with unparalleled precision and flexibility providing Ashkenazy with the ideal vehicle for presenting his excellent interpretation. The recording quality is fabulous. In addition, Glazunov's `The Seasons' provides an interesting filler for the end of the second CD.

Prokofiev is very well known for his Romeo and Juliet ballet, however, IMO his Cinderella ballet featured on this 2-CD set is EVEN BETTER!!!

As some other reviewers noted, this is relatively dark music --- not outright dissonant for the most part, but consists of mainly minor-key music and atonal sections with the occasional major-key section thrown in when the story calls for it. Prokofiev wrote this ballet right after finishing Romeo and Juliet, and IMO he improved a great deal from his first ballet. The themes and leitmotifs are catchier, the dark music is more refined, and the overall cohesiveness of the story-put-to-music is maintained better---it is very easy to imagine the story in your mind as you listen to the music.

I absolutely love it --- on the first listen, there so many great surprises (especially the infamous Clock melody --- that melody has been stuck in my head for weeks and has prevented me from falling asleep quickly on several occasions!) The ballet is chock full of catchy, mysterious, wonderful themes and counter-melodies, and brilliant playful sections and dark waltzes --- to top it all off, this orchestral recording in particular captures the essence of the story's mood perfectly.

Glazunov's Seasons is also a magnificent "filler" addition to this 2-CD set --- I've heard a # of reviewers mention CDs that they would like to be stranded with on a desert island. This one certainly has jumped very quickly to the top of my list --- I can't stop listening to it.

I highly encourage you to pick this up and discover the magic of Prokofiev's lesser-known ballet. Fans of Stravinsky's Firebird ballet are particularly encouraged.

Yes, the performances are excellent, but being a classical sound engineer for almost 20 years now, and having listened to thousands of recordings, I'm prepared to say that this may be the classical recording by which all others should be judged.

In every single parameter it is perfection. I simply cannot think of ANYTHING I could improve on it. I'm sure there was tremendous skill at work here, but as I have heard personally, there is always a bit of luck involved in recording an ensemble like this. Simply fantastic. To this day I go to it first as a reference recording.

Keep in mind by the way, that this is NOT a new recording (1986), but recorded at a time when digital was still a "trial and error" affair. I challenge anyone to put up ANY classical recording against it in terms of sound.

You would think that Prokofiev is the wrong fit for a delicate fairytale like "Cinderella," but then all you have to do is listen to "Cinderella's arrival at the Ball" (at least the way it's played on this recording), and you'll be converted. Prokofiev's genius brings out the grotesque in this story, but doesn't forget the inherent beauty.

Ashkenazy, for the most part, knows exactly how to conduct it. This orchestra stays on top of virtually every frenzied moment, and comes down graciously for the more idyllic portions. The tempos are quite brisk, making the players' abilities shine out. All of this is very gratifying.

I'm a shade disappointed, however, when the "Clock" theme is first heard. I haven't studied the score, but I'm quite certain that the Horns are supposed to herald out their wonderful warning with a much bigger forte. The repeat a few measures later is even more subdued. Strange.

I would also recommend purchasing the CDs instead of the downloads if you want to achieve gapless playback.

After purchasing Prokofiev's "Romeo & Juliet) (Maazel) I felt a Prokofiev addiction coming on, so I went looking for another fix and found this recording. While "Cinderella" lacks the flashing genius of "R & J", it is a solid, interesting and melodic piece that is certainly worth spending time with, and this is a fine, symphonic performance. What sets this recording apart, however, is the extraordinary sound quality. Of my 500 or so CDs, this one is the best recorded. The sound stage is crisp, airy and three dimensional without sounding the least bit clinical. And the dynamic range is unsurpassed in my experience (with bass extension below 40 Hz - the cross-over point on my subwoofer), the bass extremely articulate all the way down. If for no other reason, buy this one simply to hear what a quality music recording can sound like.

The music Prokofiev wrote for this ballet is great! It's so interesting and great to listen too. And also, there are the Seasons by Glazunov. I think they are better than Vivaldi's Seasons. This cd is a great value and great to listen too.

If you liked Danny Elfman soundtracks for "Batman" and "Edward Scissorhands, you'll love this. This music is really dark, particularly the "Great Waltz", which could easily fit in an Addam's family dance sequence. Even darker than "Danse macabre" from Saint-Saens.

Those of you that prefer lighter, "fun" classical music, better search for Mozart. Just like Pink Floyd's dark, long pieces, this music is for those who have reached a higher level of consciousness. If you haven't, first buy Betty Edward's book "Drawing On the Right Side of the Brain". Kidding!. Now, seriously, This is no music for a party. This is for those who prefer to be alone.