Prokofiev's Paddy Wagon

[Karl Henning]

I heard it live in London as the other work was Miaskovsky's 6th Symphony (Jurowski) which was what I wanted to hear. The cellist broke a string in the middle of the work and had to disappear offstage. I'm not a great fan of the Symphony-Concerto either I'm sorry to say. The review of the concert by David Nice, of course, compared the brilliance of the Prokofiev work with the 'longuers' of the Miaskovsky which was exactly the opposite of my experience at the concert.

Very interesting!

To the Miaskovsky, I cannot speak.  I am alive to how a less-than-top-rate live experience can put one off even a great piece.

And, I'll repeat myself:  the Symphony-Concert is a great piece.

[Karl Henning]

And, another excellent account of the Op.125 in this box:

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[vandermolen]

Very interesting!

To the Miaskovsky, I cannot speak.  I am alive to how a less-than-top-rate live experience can put one off even a great piece.

And, I'll repeat myself:  the Symphony-Concert is a great piece.

Ok thanks Karl - I will listen to it again on CD. You should investigate the Miaskovsky one day. He was a crucial link IMHO between the great Russian nationalist composers of the 19th Century, like Glazunov and RK and the great 20th century figures including his friend Prokofiev and Shostakovich.

[Karl Henning]

I learnt that Miaskovsky and Prokofiev were great friends from Harlow Robinson's bio.  No doubt Miaskovsky was largely an unwitting tool, but he rather misled his friend on how great a deal returning to (what was now) the Soviet Union would be for him.

Of course, the person who really paid the price for that miscalculation, was Lina, poor woman.  So, overall, I am apt to entertain hard thoughts of Miaskovsky.

[Mirror Image]

I learnt that Miaskovsky and Prokofiev were great friends from Harlow Robinson's bio.  No doubt Miaskovsky was largely an unwitting tool, but he rather misled his friend on how great a deal returning to (what was now) the Soviet Union would be for him.

Of course, the person who really paid the price for that miscalculation, was Lina, poor woman.  So, overall, I am apt to entertain hard thoughts of Miaskovsky.

Of course, we can't put any kind of blame on Miaskovsky as he truly thought that good things were going to happen for Prokofiev. Remember the Soviets fooled a lot of people into believing it was something it never was.

[kyjo]

Ivashkin, I tell you.  (And a cracking account of the d minor Symphony.)

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I'll make sure to set aside some time today to listen to this, I promise! Ivashkin is a very fine cellist if his recordings of Schnittke's cello works are anything to go by. And yes, that is a great account of the 2nd Symphony!

[kyjo]

Just listened to the Ivashkin/Polyansky recording of the Symphony-Concerto on Chandos. A fantastic performance, for sure, which has improved my opinion of the work. I still remain a bit unconvinced, though. There are several fine moments throughout, but the piece is simply too long and episodic, and lacks a clear and compelling narrative IMO. If the piece was 25 or 30 minutes long rather than 40 I would probably have a higher opinion of it.

[Daverz]

Han-na Chang is also good.  And I'm interested in the Gebhardt on Hyperion, coupled with the original Cello Concerto.

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Just listened to the Roatropovich/Sargent S-C for the first time in a long time.



I love this work! 

[Karl Henning]

Just listened to the Ivashkin/Polyansky recording of the Symphony-Concerto on Chandos. A fantastic performance, for sure, which has improved my opinion of the work. I still remain a bit unconvinced, though. There are several fine moments throughout, but the piece is simply too long and episodic, and lacks a clear and compelling narrative IMO. If the piece was 25 or 30 minutes long rather than 40 I would probably have a higher opinion of it.

Well, I shall be content at present with your much-improved estimation of the piece! Good sport

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[vandermolen]

Han-na Chang is also good.  And I'm interested in the Gebhardt on Hyperion, coupled with the original Cello Concerto.

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Just listened to the Roatropovich/Sargent S-C for the first time in a long time.



I love this work!

That is also the best performance of the Miaskovsky Cello Concerto.

[vandermolen]

A strong recommendation for this powerful new release on 2 CDs. Brilliantly recorded and performed.
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[Karl Henning]

Noted  0:)

[vandermolen]

Noted  0:)

Terrific in all respects Karl.
Best version I know on two CDs, with an excellent essay in the booklet and images from the movies. One of my favourite CDs of the year I suspect.

[Daverz]

Will have to compare it to the Fedoseyev when I get a chance.

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I don't like how the Strobel sometimes cuts abruptly from one number to the next, but perhaps that's only a Tidal issue.  Not unknown for the Tidal rip to be messed up.

[Likely that Tidal has scrambled the track order, so never mind.]

Of the Stasevich versions, I still think the Sokhiev is more exciting (and no annoying narration) and Muti is the most exciting of all (but with the annoying narration).

[vandermolen]

Will have to compare it to the Fedoseyev when I get a chance.

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I don't like how the Strobel sometimes cuts abruptly from one number to the next, but perhaps that's only a Tidal issue.  Not unknown for the Tidal rip to be messed up.

[Likely that Tidal has scrambled the track order, so never mind.]

Of the Stasevich versions, I still think the Sokhiev is more exciting (and no annoying narration) and Muti is the most exciting of all (but with the annoying narration).

Yes, the Muti (my introduction to the work in an LP box set coupled with the fine 'Sinfonietta') has a macabre fascination with that melodramatic narration. However, the Strobel, for all the non-sequiturs had me gripped from beginning to end and, in this respect, it reminded me of the recent release of Vaughan Williams's complete music for 'Scott of the Antarctic' (rather than the more familiar 'Sinfonia Antartica'). For me Strobel recreated the movie/film experience like no other performance.

[Mirror Image]

Just bought this box set of piano music with Chiu, does anyone else own this box?



I know next to nothing about Prokofiev's piano music, but given how I enjoy his piano concerti and how I have more of an aptitude for solo piano these days, I figured it was worth a shot.

Edit: I believe I recall Rafael owning Chiu's Prokofiev series now that I think about it.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Just bought this box set of piano music with Chiu, does anyone else own this box?



I know next to nothing about Prokofiev's piano music, but given how I enjoy his piano concerti and how I have more of an aptitude for solo piano these days, I figured it was worth a shot.

Edit: I believe I recall Rafael owning Chiu's Prokofiev series now that I think about it.

I own all but two discs from that set. It's great all the way. Can't go wrong. However, be sure and supplement it with Raekallio:




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[Mirror Image]

I own all but two discs from that set. It's great all the way. Can't go wrong. However, be sure and supplement it with Raekallio:

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Thanks a lot, DD! Yeah, I was debating on which set to buy first, but Chiu's seemed most attractive to me at first glance.

[Karl Henning]

I picked up the Chiu set as an unconscionably inexpensive download.  I have not really spent much time with it, though.

[Mirror Image]

I picked up the Chiu set as an unconscionably inexpensive download.  I have not really spent much time with it, though.

You'll have to dig into the set and let us know what you think, Karl.