Sergey Prokofiev: Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Op. 44 / Symphony No. 4 in C major, Op. 47 (Original 1930 Version) - Neeme Järvi [Import]

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

Product Details

• Orchestra: Scottish National Orchestra
• Conductor: Neeme Jarvi
• Composer: Sergey Prokofiev
• Audio CD (October 28, 1992)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Chandos
• ASIN: B000000ADC
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #100,827 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

That these symphonies are not more famous than they are simply amazes me. Prokofiev understood the nature of symphonic writing, and after the dainty cuteness of Symphony 1, he was ready to make his own mark. The Symphony 3 (1929) begins with a brash sense of alarm, then becomes quieter, more operatic in nature. And the composer's weird clashing harmonies are throughout the piece. Two versions of the Symphony 4 (1940) exist. This is the original version, which is shorter than the latter 1940 version. Neeme Järvi and the SNO have recorded the entire series for Chandos, and these are the ones to have. --Paul Cook.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spectacular, January 17, 2001

By 

John "[e-mail]" (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sergey Prokofiev: Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Op. 44 / Symphony No. 4 in C major, Op. 47 (Original 1930 Version) - Neeme Järvi (Audio CD)

Both of the symphonies on this disc are based on material from other works. The 3rd uses material from Prokofiev's opera 'The Fiery Angel' (which is, in my opinion, one of his most outstanding works), and the 4th is constructed of unused material from his ballet 'The Prodigal Son'. If you enjoy either of these works, you will enjoy these symphonies. That being said, if you've never heard the ballet or the opera these are two incredible (and underrated) symphonies that can more than hold their own. Jarvi shows off his true talent for conducting Prokofiev, bringing unsurpassed lyricism to the slow movements, and chaotic, yet clear intensity to the terrifyingly sinister dissonances of the 3rd. The Scottish National Orchestra is an extremely capable partner. The sound is crisp and clear and very loud. If you're a fan of Prokofiev, 20th century music or great symphonies I strongly urge you to purchase this disc.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy Now, January 24, 2002

By 

R. Williams "code slubber" (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Sergey Prokofiev: Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Op. 44 / Symphony No. 4 in C major, Op. 47 (Original 1930 Version) - Neeme Järvi (Audio CD)

Seriously, if you have never heard Symphony #3, you must purchase this disk. Stravinsky idolized Tchaikovsky's immense lyricism. When Prokofiev is at his best, the result is a chimera of the two (to me, the piece Le Baiser de la Fee that Stravinsky finished for Tchaikovsky sounds like Prokofiev). Symphony 3 is probably the best example of Prokofiev's immense genius in fusing these disparate elements. The first movement is centered around a dark, hypnotic circular theme that bursts out like an explosion at the start of the piece, fading rapidly into a more assuring subtheme which is quickly dismissed by quivering strings and then a long descent into madness which is capped in an outrageous conclusion to the first movement, followed by one of the most hauntingly beautiful second movements in all music.

As was noted elsewhere, Prokofiev poached this music from his opera 'The Fiery Angel' when, after 10 years, he was unable to get it staged. The opera is about a woman who keeps having visions and she can't tell if they are an angel or the devil. The music lives up to this lofty billing, alternately mixing the beatific and the infernal, until it ends in a mad, farcical romp. On the very short list of works you can't live without...

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Finest, November 15, 2001

By 

George Crossley (Deltona, Florida United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sergey Prokofiev: Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Op. 44 / Symphony No. 4 in C major, Op. 47 (Original 1930 Version) - Neeme Järvi (Audio CD)

Neeme Jarvi's grasp of Prokofiev's music is astounding. This CD is one of a collection on Chandos of all of Prokofiev's symphonies. First the recoding quality is Chandos which is second to none and worth every penny. Secondly both Orchestra and conducter are committed to this biting saterical sometimes brutal and sometimes gloriously beautiful work. The smashing opening bars propel you into a dark and somber world. The ending is even more shattering. In between is vintage melodic Prokofiev. Get this. Get them all if they are Chandos and Neeme Jarvi....