Customer Reviews

Prokofiev: (3) Suites - Scythian / Lieutenant Kije / Gayaneh

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

 

 

Re-discovering this exciting recording of the Prokofiev "Scythian Suite" was like being reunited with an old friend. The original recording was one of the first 20th-century works I ever heard, and I was immediately drawn to its rambunctious energy.

Although I love Abbado's glittering version with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and just bought Gergiev's recent one with the Kirov, this Scherchen gem carries a certain creaky magic that...well...you either like or you don't. The tense, clattery opening bars hit you over the head immediately, with the orchestra sounding just a tad out of control. But frankly, the less-than-precise execution here suits the primitive qualities of the music, despite the obvious appeal of other versions with better-sounding orchestras.

No matter. This recording more than makes up for all of that with its sheer electricity. The "Kije" is excellent, too, as are the Khachaturian selections -- all with the same caveats. The four-star rating here reflects some of these hesitations, as well as the sound quality; for 1951 (mono) it is admittedly quite good, but listeners should be cautioned that the quality is not up to modern standards. Nevertheless, I love this CD.

This excellent CD transfer finally allows me to retire some very old and worn out LPs that have given me immense satisfaction over the years. I can't think of any other conductor who managed to achieve excellence over such a wide range of repertoire - Scherchen left so many entertaining recordings of Bach, Beethoven, Haydn, Mahler, Stravinsky, and, of course, Prokofiev.

Scherchen's droll interpretation of "Lt. Kije" is a delight. For me, it is one of the four most engaging recordings on disc, along with the Roger Desormiere (Capitol LP - REALLY needs a good CD reissue), Nikolai Anosov (VERY Russian, on Arlecchino), and Fritz Reiner (BMG - with his stunning Stravinsky "Fairy's Kiss" and "Mysterious Mountain" by Alan Hovhaness). I definitely prefer Scherchen's quirkiness to the rather straight-laced Reiner - but the latter's ensemble precision is truly in a league of its own.

Scherchen was a dour-looking musician, but he sure knew how to let his hair down and have fun with cornball music like Gayane. Well-played, too! Certainly one to keep, along with the composer's own rendition, the Svetlanov, or the exuberant Silvestri (the latter in a wonderful 10-CD EMI set devoted to that conductor).

The Scythian Suite is played with all the violence inherent in the music - an outstanding account. My other favorite here is the Markevitch/French Radio, coupled with excellent versions of "Pas d'Acier" and "Love for Three Oranges" on French EMI.

Chalk this one up as a winner on all fronts!