Customer Reviews

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

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This is well worth the money!I listen to the set every week. 4 revised is magical. 3 is an all out asault from all sides! The rest are at worst very entertaining.

Jeff Lipscomb's review is THE best review I've read on Prokofiev's symphonies on ANY web site. Masterly written. Jeff's mention of recordings I was not even aware of. I have the Anosov/Czech's 7th and agree, its even slightly better than the great Samosud/All Union. I had Rozh's 1,7 and 2,3, from the early 60's on Consonance, I found them "fair", prefer Kuchar to Rozh. I sure would love to find the Kond/Chicago and Kond/Concertgebouw on my fav Prok, the 3rd. I'll have to look for Mrvinsky on the 6th, but never been a big fan of Mrv. I like Kuchar alot in 2-7. The Jarvi are OK as a second set, HOWEVER I see some reviewer's are giving too many stars. ?? The Stok/USSR 5th should be a very interesting performance , but is rare. Jeff Thanks for the super review/FAIR review.

EDIT
I see 5 of 13 have found at least something interesting in my review.
I guess the fact that I've heard the Samosud and Anosov (Rozhdestvensky's father) gives me some credence.
I realize that 13 folks have passed by my review, more than any other review of other recordings, tells me that many are seeking to find out which recording they should go with.
Having had all the Rozh/USSR on Consonance/2,3,1,7, Samosud's 7th, Anisov/Czech's 7th, Muti's 3,5 /Philidelphia, and knowing this Jarvi from several selections. the Kuchar offers not only the finest of all in my humble opinion, but also is easily avaliable, great sound, with Naxos' prices.
Though I do not like Kuchar's iron handed technique/attitudes ( so goes the rumors that Kuchar has a Iron Baton, like unto Reiner) with discipline of the orch during practice, (as with Reiner), the results are there. IOW there is emotion in Kuchar's recordings his tight strictness for details renders incredible Provokievian images.