Customer Reviews

Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet

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

 

 

This is not the best recording out there in my opinion, or in the opinion of others, but it's a classic rendition from an outstanding composer. Much of the work from Prokofiev invites interpretation, but I'm glad to hear the London SO play very well and somewhat restrained in this piece.

There seems to be a lot of arguing about this version, but I believe it is a worthy version and mainly those who conduct, compose, play, or just listen to a ton of classical music would really find fault. For Johnny Everyman, this is a very good, complete recording. The audio quality is good, and the sound is clear and relatively free from static, background, noise, or fuzz.

Every person will have his or her own preference for a recording, but in my humble opinion, this is a safe bet. I listen to it consistently and I enjoy it.

Also check out the Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet recording for my personal favorite, though less technically perfect (more interpretive) recording.

I am writing mainly in response to Sarman (Sweden). I own the fforte edition and have played this many years on several systems. On Onkyo DR-UN7 dvd receiver driving Epos 22's, the sound is excellent, as it was using Panasonic dvd player, NAD amplifier, and Epos 11's. Previn is one of best interpreters of Prokofiev--after all, he is a Russian born in Berlin. I don't know who could call either the playing or the re-mastering "dull". The natural alternative is Gergiev, re-issued on Philips great 50 recordings at medium price. That is also quite good. I would avoid the others.

This Romeo & Juliet is my favorite, for reasons stated by mr. Adcock at Sergei Prokofiev: Romeo And Juliet, Ballet. In my own words I'd say that the reading is organic, human, it expresses feelings and tells a story which keeps me interested throughout the score.

I am a little concerned about the sound quality. I get the impression that there is more in there, but it does not get through the speakers. But it might also have to do with my Hi-Fi equipment. I'd appreciate comments from other reviewers on this point.

I also have the Karel Ancerl/CPO Romeo & Juliet excerpts. It is superior in many respects, but also quite different, so I just keep that one as well.

This is a quality recording, both from a playing and recording standpoint. You can't beat it for the price!

I had great difficulty restraining myself from turning this off when listening to it for the first time, because London does such a terrible job of being anywhere near in tune for much of it. Combined with many missed notes in the brass, messy passagework in the strings, and woodwind playing that seems intent on doing anything BUT creating any sort of phrase, it's doubtful this is worth even the small price Amazon has it listed for.

For a budget recording of this that's actually decent, I'd be much more inclined to buy Naxos' release of the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine's version under Andrew Mogrelia.