Customer Reviews

Prokofiev: Works for Orchestra, Vol.1

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

 

 

I was always leary of buying this recording, not because of the musicians (hardly; Martinon is one of my favorite conductors), but because the sound quality was supposedly so poor.

Turns out to be my loss. There is nothing wrong with the engineering/remastering in this pressing. And even if there was, these are performances to acquire and cherish.

While other Classical Symphonies are out there that may have a little more charm, Martinon's is fine. His fifth is a revelation: a very straightforward approach that somehow mines a lot of the treasures of this masterpiece. Tempi are a little faster than some may expect, but Martinon and his forces make it work well.

The 7th is a gorgeous performance, especially the first movement, where the melodies are bigger than life, lyrically and sweetly played, and the finale.

The 4th is fine.

Finally, the two overtures are wonderful additions, especially Hebrew Themes, one of my favorites. It is well-played here, although a little more character would have been welcomed.

While I don't have many other recordings for comparison, I would imagine that Martinon's wide-eyed conducting engages me more than Jarvi's celebrated set of symphonies would. Martinon's Fifth compares favorably with other well-known recordings, such as Ormandy and Slatkin--in fact, I prefer his performance to these, despite the lushness of both orchestras, and the excellent engineering in the Slatkin.

An excellent addition to any collection.

It's realy an excellant performence of ORTF conducted by the Miraculous Martinon . Prokofiev was allways a challange for orchestras and here wonder was done for bargain price! Enlightning and wide-scope reviews are Vox-Box speciality and off course here is the same... A fair sound ,although recordings were made long ago.. A real gift for every one who adores Prokofiev mystery

Jean Martinon was my regular conductor in Chicago and Washington in the sixties. I had all these Prokofiev orchestral performances by Martinon on LPs. This set is the best way to hear it all, including the lush and gorgeous Russian Overture and the charming Overture on Hebrew Themes. The Seventh Symphony is rarely performed, maybe because it is so happy, lacking a stormy movement. But most Prokofiev lovers will admire the Seventh.