Prokofiev's symphonies

[karlhenning]

Maybe one needs to shop there?

[SonicMan46]

But such a set exists! It's this:

Yep, I posted on this set back at the top of pg. 3 (reply #40) - Kitajenko & Jarvi are the two sets that I currently own, and I prefer the former (at least for now -  ); these replaced my previous 'complete' Gergiev's set - seems like these varied performances provoke many different reactions - 

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Did Rozhdestvensky record all 7 symphonies? I bet his Prokofiev is great!

Drasko already answered your first question but as to your second statement George, yes Rozhd's Prokofiev is excellent (at least what I have, anyway: two symphonies and a couple of discs of ballet music).

I still perhaps have an overall fondness for Smetacek in the seventh symphony if only for his iron - yet velvety - direction. Plus the Czech Philharmonic is really "on" in this recording and the music just crackles with all kinds of goodness.

I agree about Muti's 3, superb! Did he record all 7?

Drasko does it again...(but interesting to learn of that CSO third).

[Air]

Any support for the Rostropovich or Weller sets here?

The Rostropovich is IMO, the most consistent cycle there is out there and the Weller is definitely not far behind.  Weller's Prokofiev is grossly underrated!  What I love so much about his set is that it provides some great interpretations of the lesser-known symphonies (not so enthusiastic about his Prok 5 though)

[Sergeant Rock]

Any support for the Rostropovich or Weller sets here?
The Rostropovich is IMO, the most consistent cycle there is out there...

I like Rostropovich as a conductor generally speaking. I own his cycle of Shostakovich symphonies and much else. I thought his Prokofiev would be in the same class--and maybe it is--but what I've heard (clips on amazon and JPC) hasn't convinced me to hit the buy button. The music sounds heavy, labored and rhythmically flabby. I realize judging an entire performance based on three or four one minute selections is nonsense but I wonder when and if the music ever comes alive. The box is cheap. I keep thinking I should buy it, but so far...  What makes you say his is the most consistent cycle? How is it better than Järvi, Ozawa, Weller, Gergiev, Rozh, Kitajenko, etc?

Sarge

[The new erato]

Any support for the Rostropovich or Weller sets here?

I like the Weller set, it was my mainstay for these works for many years and I found it always dependable and well recorded. But it is superseeded by the Kitaenko (my other complete cycle); Prokofievs orchestration really benefits from the mighty sonics of this set - and the differences between a very good 70-ies recording and a state of the art recording from the next century is quite obvious in these sets. I've considered Rostropvich's cheap set many times but to be frank; the generally quite lukewarm responses to these recordings I've seen on many occasions kept me from taking the plunge.

[Benji]

Any support for the Rostropovich or Weller sets here?

Weller's Prokofiev is grossly underrated!  What I love so much about his set is that it provides some great interpretations of the lesser-known symphonies (not so enthusiastic about his Prok 5 though)

Yes, I have the Weller set but we differ in that it's his 5th I like the most! I listened to that this morning on the way to work in fact. Great stuff! Also love Weller's way with the Scythian Suite. Some beautiful music in there.

[Drasko]

Drasko does it again...(but interesting to learn of that CSO third).

Curious thing is that CSO third proving to be. It seems it either got deleted immediately after release or was just announced, in rather definite manner - I saw preorder page on amazon, and than pulled back at the very last moment. One can just wonder why.

I still perhaps have an overall fondness for Smetacek in the seventh symphony if only for his iron - yet velvety - direction. Plus the Czech Philharmonic is really "on" in this recording and the music just crackles with all kinds of goodness.

I haven't heard Smetacek but the premiere recording of the 7th was with Czech Philharmonic, Nikolai Anosov conducting, 1954 I think. Fine performance except for peculiarly slow Andante espressivo, much slower than anyone else. It was available on Arlecchino. I happen to have relatively decent sounding LP transfer, which I could upload if there is anyone interested in hearing it.

[Harry]

Yes, I have the Weller set but we differ in that it's his 5th I like the most! I listened to that this morning on the way to work in fact. Great stuff! Also love Weller's way with the Scythian Suite. Some beautiful music in there.

Benji, could you tell me, what the original label was that Weller recorded for?  These recordings are licensed from?
And could you tell something about the recording quality?

[Harry]

I like the Weller set, it was my mainstay for these works for many years and I found it always dependable og well recorded. But it is superseeded by the Kitaenko (my other complete cycle); Prokofievs orchestration really benefits from the mighty sonics of this set - and the differences between a very good 70-ies recording and a state of the art recording from the next century is quite obvious in these sets. I've considered Rostropvich's cheap set many times but to be frank; the generally quite lukewarm responses to these recordings I've seen on many occasions kept me from taking the plunge.

I am still thinking about the rawness of Jarvi's recordings, and the to me unknown Kitaenko set, that has the same price range.
I like them fast and furious.

[The new erato]

Benji, could you tell me, what the original label was that Weller recorded for?  These recordings are licensed from?

Decca.

[Harry]

Decca.

Thanks Erato for the quick response.

[Benji]

Decca.

Pipped to the post! They are relatively modern recordings, and Decca, so no complaints about the sound quality.

[Harry]

Pipped to the post! They are relatively modern recordings, and Decca, so no complaints about the sound quality.

Thanks Benji, it goes on my to buy list.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Curious thing is that CSO third proving to be. It seems it either got deleted immediately after release or was just announced, in rather definite manner - I saw preorder page on amazon, and than pulled back at the very last moment. One can just wonder why.

A mystery indeed. If you find out anything more please let us know.

I haven't heard Smetacek but the premiere recording of the 7th was with Czech Philharmonic, Nikolai Anosov conducting, 1954 I think. Fine performance except for peculiarly slow Andante espressivo, much slower than anyone else. It was available on Arlecchino. I happen to have relatively decent sounding LP transfer, which I could upload if there is anyone interested in hearing it.

I once owned a seventh by Anosov on a Supraphon LP (SUA 10264). I wonder if the performances are the same?

Interesting biographical tidbit: Anosov is Rozhdestvensky's father.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

What makes you say his is the most consistent cycle? How is it better than Järvi, Ozawa, Weller, Gergiev, Rozh, Kitaena, etc?

Indeed, I'd be interested in knowing how Rostropovich compares to a quality cobbled cycle (such as other posters - myself included - have mentioned).

[Harry]

Indeed, I'd be interested in knowing how Rostropovich compares to a quality cobbled cycle (such as other posters - myself included - have mentioned).

And I would like to know too, how Rostropovich on Erato, compares to......
At the time the critics said it is exemplary recorded, and the best cycle so far.
What do you gents think?
Its also rather cheap. 20 euro's at JPC.

[Harry]

Yep, I posted on this set back at the top of pg. 3 (reply #40) - Kitajenko & Jarvi are the two sets that I currently own, and I prefer the former (at least for now -  ); these replaced my previous 'complete' Gergiev's set - seems like these varied performances provoke many different reactions - 

Yes I also gave my Gergiev set away, after listening to it several times, my impressions became worse, so many inconsistencies...

[DarkAngel]

Can I put a plug in for this delightful version of Prokofiev 1st, plus great versions of all 3 works!
If you don't have this I beg you to indulge.......

[Harry]

I was at some of the concerts where these were recorded.  Got the impression that not a great deal of preparation had gone into them (or not by Gergiev anyway) though others with me disagreed.

Another vote for the underrated Weller.

Favourite 3rd is Muti + Philadelphia.

I guess Weller wil be on my list, ( and no not Sam Weller) .....It only cost 13 euro's, so what's the risk.
Thank you for giving a go ahead for Weller.