Prokofiev: The Complete Symphonies (incl. Symphony No. 4, Revised Version)

Sergey Prokofiev (Composer), Neeme Järvi (Conductor), Royal Scottish National Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Royal Scottish National Orchestra
• Conductor: Neeme Järvi
• Composer: Sergey Prokofiev
• Audio CD (October 28, 1992)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 4
• Label: Chandos
• ASIN: B000000AMC
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #324,053 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Symphony No. 1 In D Major Op. 25 'Classical': I. Allegro

2. Symphony No. 1 In D Major Op. 25 'Classical': II. Larghetto

3. Symphony No. 1 In D Major Op. 25 'Classical': III. Gavotte: Non troppo allegro

4. Symphony No. 1 In D Major Op. 25 'Classical': IV. Finale: Molto vivace

5. Symphony No. 4 Op.112: I. Andante-Allegro eroico-Allegretto

See all 8 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Symphony No. 3 In C Minor Op.44: I. Moderato

2. Symphony No. 3 In C Minor Op.44: II. Andante

3. Symphony No.3 In C Minor Op.44: III. Allegro agitato

4. Symphony No.3 In C Minor Op.44: IV. Andante mosso - Allegro agitato

5. Symphony No.4 In C Major Op.47: I. Andante assai - Allegro eroico

See all 8 tracks on this disc

Disc: 3

1. Symphony No. 2 In D Minor Op. 40: I Allegro ben articolato - II Theme and Variations

2. Symphony No. 2 In D Minor Op. 40: Theme

3. Symphony No. 2 In D Minor Op. 40: Variation 1

4. Symphony No. 2 In D Minor Op. 40: Variation 2

5. Symphony No. 2 In D Minor Op. 40: Variation 3

See all 11 tracks on this disc

Disc: 4

1. Symphony No.5 In F Flat Major Op.100: I Andante

2. Symphony No.5 In F Flat Major Op.100: II Allegro marcato

3. Symphony No.5 In F Flat Major Op.100: III Adagio

4. Symphony No.5 In F Flat Major Op.100: IV Allegro giocoso

5. Symphony No.7 In C Sharp Minor Op.131: I Moderato

See all 8 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Järvi and Prokofiev, July 12, 2008

By 

B. R. Merrick - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Prokofiev: The Complete Symphonies (incl. Symphony No. 4, Revised Version) (Audio CD)

Prokofiev's orchestrations, like Beethoven's, are naturally heavy. As a composer known for his precocity, the weight of the orchestration is obviously meant as an in-your-face dare. It is therefore important to exploit this fact as much as possible.

Aided by wonderful technical recording aspects, Järvi's interpretation of Prokofiev's symphonies and other symphonic works is unmatched. These recordings with the Scottish National Orchestra contain great acoustic reverberation, ecstatic woodwinds, fiery strings, and blaring brass. If you're a fan of French Horns especially, then you'll love these recordings.

Järvi never loses a sense of playfulness. The orchestra stays together quite nicely, and you may actually have to turn the volume down at times! There are certainly other terrific recordings of Prokofiev's orchestral works. I'm mainly thinking of an old recording of the Fifth I had with Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra. But why bother? Your search stops here.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spectacular, October 21, 2003

By 

Seigfrieds Hammer "Ken" (Aurora, CO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Prokofiev: The Complete Symphonies (incl. Symphony No. 4, Revised Version) (Audio CD)

A must for Prokofiev fans. Jarvi and RSNO do a marvelous job. All the performances are inspired and well played. This set is well worth the money. Great sound on these recordings. Chandos does it again! Buy this set of recordings and tell everyone you know about them.

20 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A decent set, August 22, 2001

By 

"s_molman" (CT United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Prokofiev: The Complete Symphonies (incl. Symphony No. 4, Revised Version) (Audio CD)

This set is worthwhile if you want a complete set of the symphonies. Only the 6th is perhaps a first recommendation when comparing individual symphonies, though. I will more quickly turn to Abbado or Muti for 3, Szell or Karajan for 5, and Previn or Malko for 7. The second is not one that is recorded often, for good reason. It has many fine moments that are, unfortunately, drowning in a sea of loud, unsubtle noise. Neither versions of 4 are particular favorites either. But if you want a complete set, this is as good as any. But I would recommend getting the best of them (3, 5, and 6) in individual performances.