Prokofiev's symphonies

[Drasko]

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.

I'd venture a guess that it is the same performance.

[SonicMan46]

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.......

DA - I've owned that disc since its release and still in my collection!  Love the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra - saw them 'live' years ago, and have a number of other recordings by them, but this one is a nice collection - I usually like to buy recordings these days that just contain one composer's works, but not always possible - this 3-composer CD will remain in my collection -  Dave

[DarkAngel]

DA - I've owned that disc since its release and still in my collection!  Love the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra - saw them 'live' years ago, and have a number of other recordings by them, but this one is a nice collection - I usually like to buy recordings these days that just contain one composer's works, but not always possible - this 3-composer CD will remain in my collection -   Dave

Yes I have had it for ages also.............I am serious that it maybe best version of Prokofiev 1st!

The Orpheus "edge" is probably because other symphony sets record 1st symphony with same size orchestra as 2-7 symphonies
the smaller more nimble Orpheus just sparkle with this work, as Mozart/Haydn specialists it is right up thier alley...........

Back in the old days I would just automatically buy any Orpheus/DG release, consistently great stuff 

[MishaK]

Just listened to Muti's Philadelphia recording of 3 & 1. Didn't really click with me. Lacked fire somehow. No.1 in particular never really seemed to want to get off the ground. Anyone have different thoughts on this?

[Herman]

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

I have a couple of Rostropovich's Prokofiev recordings, and I like the 7th a lot. The really big symphonies, 6 and 5, aren't really competitive.

R. is not a firstrate conductor. I should mention that I'd say the same thing about Neeme Jarvi's Prokofiev cycle: it is not good enough. Same with Gergiev (very disappointing). Same with Ozawa.

Maybe the Kitaenko is, however I don't know it. Even with a relatively small oeuvre like Prokofiev's it pays to piece together different versions and conductors.

[Sergeant Rock]

Even with a relatively small oeuvre like Prokofiev's it pays to piece together different versions and conductors.

Of course, but how do you do that without hearing a large number of performances? Buying individual discs is an expensive proposition. Relying on the opinion of others risky (how many of us would name the same Prok 5 as the one to own? We'd probably get as many recommendations as there are contributors). The beauty of the box sets is the ability to hear many performances for remarkably little money. If one or even several performances in the box are duds, well, it doesn't really matter. Maybe the Rostropovich cycle is a failure overall but for the modest asking price I'm now willing to buy it just to hear his Seventh which you recommend (by the way: does it have the original dark ending or the tacked on happy ending?). I think the Ozawa was worth the price just for his magical "Classical" (magical to my ears, your mileage may, you know...   )

Sarge

[The new erato]

At todays prices on can buy three complete sets at the price of all symphonies on single discs......

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Even with a relatively small oeuvre like Prokofiev's it pays to piece together different versions and conductors.

I agree. I'd pit my cobbled cycle against any complete box any day. And sniffing out the bargains (and a little luck) has kept the cost of each disc down (not all, but most).

Speaking of bargains, has anyone heard Nicolai Malko's seventh on EMI (CfP)? I have a one minute extract on an EMI sampler and what I hear impresses mightily.

(BTW, this was a very early experimental stereo recording (1955) and EMI hit the bullseye - engineered to perfection. Could've been recorded 15 years later).

[DarkAngel]

Speaking of bargains, has anyone heard Nicolai Malko's seventh on EMI (CfP)? I have a one minute extract on an EMI sampler and what I hear impresses mightily.

(BTW, this was a very early experimental stereo recording (1955) and EMI hit the bullseye - engineered to perfection. Could've been recorded 15 years later).

Buy without any hesitation, I think someone already recommended this CD previously in the thread.......
makes you wonder why Malko never did complete symphony cycle, or perhaps it is just sitting in storage vaults waiting to be released some day.

Artwork for CD cover picture could hardly be worse......

[Drasko]

Malko's disc is indeed excellent, both symphonies. And the sound is exceptional for 1955 stereo.

makes you wonder why Malko never did complete symphony cycle, or perhaps it is just sitting in storage waiting to be released some day

Great conductor that he was, I doubt he carried enough weight at EMI to let him record complete cycle of anything back in those days, especially Prokofiev where first complete symphony cycle will come along by the time when Malko was long dead.
Maybe there is a chance some things might be found in archives of Danish radio.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Thanks, guys!

On the wish list it goes.

[Beetzart]

I think that no one did Prokofiev's Classical better than Bernstein; I particularly like the last movement here!

[SonicMan46]

I think that no one did Prokofiev's Classical better than Bernstein; I particularly like the last movement here!

Hello Karl - just wondering 'how many' comparisons you have made of this particular Prokofiev Symphony?  There have been plenty of recommendations on this composer's symphonies on this thread, so just curious about your thoughts on Bernstein vs. some of the others' preferences?  Thanks for any additional comments - 

[karlhenning]

Welcome, Karl! It's unusual for me to find another Karl abroad . . . .

[Maciek]

I happen to have relatively decent sounding LP transfer, which I could upload if there is anyone interested in hearing it.

No one in more than 2 months??! If you're still willing to upload, I'd love to give it a try.

[Drasko]

Sure, no problem. Later this evening.

[Drasko]

Ok, here it is:

Prokofiev - Symphony No.7 - Czech Philharmonic/Nikolai Anosov
1954, premiere recording of the symphony (I think), LP rip at 128 kbps mp3

http://www.mediafire.com/?gzyynzmmvjm

[George]

Welcome, Karl! It's unusual for me to find another Karl abroad . . . .

There's only one k a rl, though. 

[71 dB]

Hah, I will probably be a Prokofiev newbie forever. 

I suppose I could buy & listen to many cycles of Prokofiev symphonies if it was the only good music on Earth. But it is not. Who the hell has money and time to do that?

Neeme Järvi's cycle has been on my wish list for years...

[Maciek]

Ok, here it is:

Prokofiev - Symphony No.7 - Czech Philharmonic/Nikolai Anosov
1954, premiere recording of the symphony (I think), LP rip at 128 kbps mp3

http://www.mediafire.com/?gzyynzmmvjm

Thank you!