Poll
Prokofiev. 8)
I have a tough time between these two, actually; but I do always wind up in the Paddy-Wagon . . . .
I would, if his name were Johannes Sergeyevich Brahms. :D
AKA *Boom!* *Boom!*
Indeed.................INDEED!!!!
marvin
PS: the problem with Prokofiev (my no.2 vote) is that in a previous vote it was ascertained that I was only familiar with no more than 10% of his works. When I listed what I had heard (symphonies, handful of operas, piano and violin concertos) the response I got was that pretty much covers the basics of Prokofiev. With 10% Prokofiev doesn't have a leg to stand on....you need a couple of legs to battle the all mighty RACH!!!!
marvin
Ah, but Prokofiev composed successfully in more genres than Rachmaninov or I should say his compositional 'wingspan' was wider. For example, Prokofiev wrote some absolutely masterful ballets. Have you heard any of them? Have you heard Alexander Nevsky? This is another Prokofiev masterwork that sits right beside any Russian choral masterpiece. I think it's safe to say here you just prefer Rachmaninov over Prokofiev, which is absolutely fine of course, but don't think for a minute that Prokofiev wasn't a versatile composer. He was a true chameleon. It would take you a lifetime to be able to peg down the essence of Prokofiev, while, Rachmaninov, on the other hand, was much more straightforward, IMHO, in his musical endeavors.
Ultimately, Rachmaninov's composing career was impacted by his performing career, where he wrote very little in the last 20 years of his life.
But what I was saying in terms of 'compositional wingspan' has to do with the myriad of styles Prokofiev wrote in. Rachmaninov's compositional voice was much more limited as he was essentially a late-Romantic. This is why I mentioned Prokofiev is a more complicated musical persona. It certainly, and, of course I never said, that one approach was better than the other. They were both two very different composers, I just feel that Prokofiev had more to offer the listener in terms of style.
So what if I am, Neal? I don't think any less of Rachmaninov because he's a late-Romantic just like I don't think any more of Prokofiev because he's a Modernist. I'm simply saying that I think Prokofiev, in terms of style, had more variety to offer the listener. But, as with anything, it'll always come down to subjectivity, which, in this case, I do enjoy more Prokofiev than Rachmaninov truth be told.
Yes you are right, Prokofiev did compose in more genres than Rachmaninov, and yes Rach was more straightforward in his "Romantic" approach. I will admit though that I do prefer Rach overall. The only Prokofiev ballets that I have heard are Romeo and Juliet and Cinderella so I will look into Alexander Nevsky.
I think part of the problem here is that Prokofiev is not promoted as much as he should be. When I think of Prokofiev I think the 7 symphonies (especially 1 "Classical" and 5), the Fiery Angel (opera) and the piano and violin concertos. I very rarely play Love for Three Oranges and hardly read anything enthusiastic about his other compositions. I think this is the problem here, very little is written about this man beyond those compositions I mentioned.
marvin
Have you heard Violin Sonata no. 1 in F minor, Op. 80 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHC7SEYcyMs) or the Cello Sonata (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHIdzZ1P1pg)? Is Semyon Kotko (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqBEhrs_ZNw) among the operas you've heard?
...Scythian Suite (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfQb6BKq_ZU)...
I have not heard the solo piano works, although I vaguely remember someone recommending them to me. I have the violin sonatas I believe but not the cello sonata nor have I heard Semyon Kotko. I should get moving on these.
Thanks for the recommendations. My amazon.co.uk shopping list grows by the hour. :)
marvin
Protopopov composed (as far as I can find) all of 11 works. Apparently after his musical theories were found wanting in Marxist thought ??? ??? ??? by Stalin's government, he either stopped composing altogether, or never published whatever he did compose.
I found this very nice explanation of his music: it concentrates mainly on the 3 Piano Sonatas:
http://books.google.com/books?id=WNfpClVLAasC&pg=PA283#v=onepage&q&f=false (http://books.google.com/books?id=WNfpClVLAasC&pg=PA283#v=onepage&q&f=false)
Karlo's suggestion of the Op.80 is particularly apt, Marvin. If that is a piece you do not yet know — run, do not walk. It will melt you.
Well, Prokofiev wrote several ballets that worth hearing besides Romeo & Juliet and Cinderella. Like, for instance, On the Dnieper, Le pas d'acier, Chout, The Prodigal Son (Symphony No. 4 and this ballet share some thematic material) and The Stone Flower. Have you heard Sinfonia Concertante for cello and orchestra? This is another masterful work. Oh and Alexander Nevsky, just to be clear, is a cantata, not a ballet.
Semyon Kotko should appeal to you with it's melodic nature.
Since you already have the violin sonatas, this is the next Prokofiev you want:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516Jtd5-asL._SY450__PJautoripBadge,BottomRight,4,-40_OU11__.jpg) (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Prokofiev-Raekallio-Piano-Sonatas-Matti/dp/B004TWOXGC)
Seconded. A gorgeous work and one of my favorites, but I love all of Prokofiev's ballets. So I suppose I'm just biased all-around here. 8)
;D
Yes, outstanding set...
I don't have much time but Marvin I hope now you've seen what Prokofiev means to many of us! :) Our numbers may not reach Beethovenian heights but the gap is closing by the day!
I need to take fewer wild rides, I guess, my friend! :)
Yes that is it! I remember seeing that recording of the piano sonatas. I'll get that now and look into the other suggestion. Thank you all for the recommendations. Somebody should marry this thread with the what % of Prokofiev have you heard poll/thread...I can't seem to find it now....its been such a long time I am going to have to go through my posts.
EDIT: I found it: http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,21082.msg670603.html#msg670603 (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,21082.msg670603.html#msg670603) and you were right North Star IT WAS YOU!! :)
marvin
Thumbs up! :)
Question: 
Option 1: Rachmaninov
votes: 7
Option 2: Prokofiev
votes: 14
Option 3: Taneyev
votes: 4
Option 4: Zagny
votes: 0
Option 5: Protopopov
votes: 0
Option 6: Bortkiewicz
votes: 0
Option 7: Koussevitzsky
votes: 1
Option 8: Slonimsky
votes: 0
Option 9: Write-in candidate
votes: 1
Title: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: amw on January 22, 2014, 07:24:48 PM
Post by: amw on January 22, 2014, 07:24:48 PM
I forgot I wanted to do this poll until I saw Brian's, for whatever reason.
Best composer? Best lover? Coolest name? Whatever the logic behind your choice, you can only pick one.
Best composer? Best lover? Coolest name? Whatever the logic behind your choice, you can only pick one.
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on January 22, 2014, 07:37:44 PM
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on January 22, 2014, 07:37:44 PM
Easy: Proko.
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: Mirror Image on January 22, 2014, 07:39:39 PM
Post by: Mirror Image on January 22, 2014, 07:39:39 PM
Easy for me, too: Prokofiev. 8)
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: North Star on January 22, 2014, 10:03:41 PM
Post by: North Star on January 22, 2014, 10:03:41 PM
Prokofiev by a country mile.
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: 71 dB on January 23, 2014, 01:01:49 AM
Post by: 71 dB on January 23, 2014, 01:01:49 AM
Taneyev ;)
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: TheGSMoeller on January 23, 2014, 01:31:28 AM
Post by: TheGSMoeller on January 23, 2014, 01:31:28 AM
Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on January 22, 2014, 07:37:44 PM
Easy...
Quote from: Mirror Image on January 22, 2014, 07:39:39 PM
or me, too...
Quote from: North Star on January 22, 2014, 10:03:41 PM
by a country mile...
Prokofiev. 8)
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: Lisztianwagner on January 23, 2014, 02:05:34 AM
Post by: Lisztianwagner on January 23, 2014, 02:05:34 AM
No contest, Sergei Rachmaninov.
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: Karl Henning on January 23, 2014, 02:07:05 AM
Post by: Karl Henning on January 23, 2014, 02:07:05 AM
Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on January 22, 2014, 07:37:44 PM
Easy: Proko.
Quote from: Lisztianwagner on January 23, 2014, 02:05:34 AM
No contest, Sergei Rachmaninov.
I have a tough time between these two, actually; but I do always wind up in the Paddy-Wagon . . . .
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: North Star on January 23, 2014, 03:04:05 AM
Post by: North Star on January 23, 2014, 03:04:05 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on January 23, 2014, 02:07:05 AMFor me, the sheer volume of Prokofiev's masterworks tipped the scales.
I have a tough time between these two, actually; but I do always wind up in the Paddy-Wagon . . . .
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: Brahmsian on January 23, 2014, 04:31:04 AM
Post by: Brahmsian on January 23, 2014, 04:31:04 AM
Taneyev for me. Although, not an easy choice. :)
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: mc ukrneal on January 23, 2014, 04:32:03 AM
Post by: mc ukrneal on January 23, 2014, 04:32:03 AM
Quote from: ChamberNut on January 23, 2014, 04:31:04 AMI thought you'd pick Brahms! :)
Taneyev for me. Although, not an easy choice. :)
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: springrite on January 23, 2014, 04:34:05 AM
Post by: springrite on January 23, 2014, 04:34:05 AM
Prokofiev is just laughing at this poll. "What? No Igors? No Dimitris? No Vladimirs? No Borises? No Andres? Only Sergeis? Hahahahaha!!!"
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: Brahmsian on January 23, 2014, 04:38:15 AM
Post by: Brahmsian on January 23, 2014, 04:38:15 AM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on January 23, 2014, 04:32:03 AM
I thought you'd pick Brahms! :)
I would, if his name were Johannes Sergeyevich Brahms. :D
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: North Star on January 23, 2014, 05:00:35 AM
Post by: North Star on January 23, 2014, 05:00:35 AM
Quote from: ChamberNut on January 23, 2014, 04:38:15 AMBoris Brahms would be better :D
I would, if his name were Johannes Sergeyevich Brahms. :D
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: springrite on January 23, 2014, 05:07:52 AM
Post by: springrite on January 23, 2014, 05:07:52 AM
Quote from: North Star on January 23, 2014, 05:00:35 AM
Boris Brahms would be better :D
AKA *Boom!* *Boom!*
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: PaulR on January 23, 2014, 05:21:45 AM
Post by: PaulR on January 23, 2014, 05:21:45 AM
The Bass Concerto is enough reason to not vote for Koussevitsky......
Prokofiev, of course.
Prokofiev, of course.
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: marvinbrown on January 23, 2014, 06:08:12 AM
Post by: marvinbrown on January 23, 2014, 06:08:12 AM
Quote from: Lisztianwagner on January 23, 2014, 02:05:34 AM
No contest, Sergei Rachmaninov.
Indeed.................INDEED!!!!
marvin
PS: the problem with Prokofiev (my no.2 vote) is that in a previous vote it was ascertained that I was only familiar with no more than 10% of his works. When I listed what I had heard (symphonies, handful of operas, piano and violin concertos) the response I got was that pretty much covers the basics of Prokofiev. With 10% Prokofiev doesn't have a leg to stand on....you need a couple of legs to battle the all mighty RACH!!!!
marvin
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: Mirror Image on January 23, 2014, 05:52:42 PM
Post by: Mirror Image on January 23, 2014, 05:52:42 PM
Quote from: marvinbrown on January 23, 2014, 06:08:12 AM
Indeed.................INDEED!!!!
marvin
PS: the problem with Prokofiev (my no.2 vote) is that in a previous vote it was ascertained that I was only familiar with no more than 10% of his works. When I listed what I had heard (symphonies, handful of operas, piano and violin concertos) the response I got was that pretty much covers the basics of Prokofiev. With 10% Prokofiev doesn't have a leg to stand on....you need a couple of legs to battle the all mighty RACH!!!!
marvin
Ah, but Prokofiev composed successfully in more genres than Rachmaninov or I should say his compositional 'wingspan' was wider. For example, Prokofiev wrote some absolutely masterful ballets. Have you heard any of them? Have you heard Alexander Nevsky? This is another Prokofiev masterwork that sits right beside any Russian choral masterpiece. I think it's safe to say here you just prefer Rachmaninov over Prokofiev, which is absolutely fine of course, but don't think for a minute that Prokofiev wasn't a versatile composer. He was a true chameleon. It would take you a lifetime to be able to peg down the essence of Prokofiev, while, Rachmaninov, on the other hand, was much more straightforward, IMHO, in his musical endeavors.
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: mc ukrneal on January 23, 2014, 06:20:39 PM
Post by: mc ukrneal on January 23, 2014, 06:20:39 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on January 23, 2014, 05:52:42 PMWhile I have a preference, I don't really have a horse in this race. But I don't think you are really correct in saying one had a 'wider wingspan'. Both did much more than what they are most famous for. Rachmaninov wrote The Bells, a wonderful choral piece (one of many) if you are not familar with it as well as numerous songs (many more than Prokofiev). His operas are great, though like Prokofiev, not heard that often (at least outside the Russian speaking world). Neither is known particularly for their chamber works, but both did some nice works there (arguably the Rach Piano trios reach a higher plateau than the rest). Both did transcriptions, though interestingly. Prokofiev's were mostly his own works while Rachmaninov's were of other composer's works.
Ah, but Prokofiev composed successfully in more genres than Rachmaninov or I should say his compositional 'wingspan' was wider. For example, Prokofiev wrote some absolutely masterful ballets. Have you heard any of them? Have you heard Alexander Nevsky? This is another Prokofiev masterwork that sits right beside any Russian choral masterpiece. I think it's safe to say here you just prefer Rachmaninov over Prokofiev, which is absolutely fine of course, but don't think for a minute that Prokofiev wasn't a versatile composer. He was a true chameleon. It would take you a lifetime to be able to peg down the essence of Prokofiev, while, Rachmaninov, on the other hand, was much more straightforward, IMHO, in his musical endeavors.
Ultimately, Rachmaninov's composing career was impacted by his performing career, where he wrote very little in the last 20 years of his life.
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: Mirror Image on January 23, 2014, 06:34:07 PM
Post by: Mirror Image on January 23, 2014, 06:34:07 PM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on January 23, 2014, 06:20:39 PM
While I have a preference, I don't really have a horse in this race. But I don't think you are really correct in saying one had a 'wider wingspan'. Both did much more than what they are most famous for. Rachmaninov wrote The Bells, a wonderful choral piece (one of many) if you are not familar with it as well as numerous songs (many more than Prokofiev). His operas are great, though like Prokofiev, not heard that often (at least outside the Russian speaking world). Neither is known particularly for their chamber works, but both did some nice works there (arguably the Rach Piano trios reach a higher plateau than the rest). Both did transcriptions, though interestingly. Prokofiev's were mostly his own works while Rachmaninov's were of other composer's works.
Ultimately, Rachmaninov's composing career was impacted by his performing career, where he wrote very little in the last 20 years of his life.
But what I was saying in terms of 'compositional wingspan' has to do with the myriad of styles Prokofiev wrote in. Rachmaninov's compositional voice was much more limited as he was essentially a late-Romantic. This is why I mentioned Prokofiev is a more complicated musical persona. It certainly, and, of course I never said, that one approach was better than the other. They were both two very different composers, I just feel that Prokofiev had more to offer the listener in terms of style.
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: mc ukrneal on January 23, 2014, 06:45:45 PM
Post by: mc ukrneal on January 23, 2014, 06:45:45 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on January 23, 2014, 06:34:07 PMWell this I totally disagree with (particularly the bolded part). You are making a value judgment on their styles and music. Late-romantic music is not inherently 'less complicated' than other music that came after it.
But what I was saying in terms of 'compositional wingspan' has to do with the myriad of styles Prokofiev wrote in. Rachmaninov's compositional voice was much more limited as he was essentially a late-Romantic. This is why I mentioned Prokofiev is a more complicated musical persona. It certainly, and, of course I never said, that one approach was better than the other. They were both two very different composers, I just feel that Prokofiev had more to offer the listener in terms of style.
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: Mirror Image on January 23, 2014, 07:04:58 PM
Post by: Mirror Image on January 23, 2014, 07:04:58 PM
Quote from: mc ukrneal on January 23, 2014, 06:45:45 PM
Well this I totally disagree with (particularly the bolded part). You are making a value judgment on their styles and music. Late-romantic music is not inherently 'less complicated' than other music that came after it.
So what if I am, Neal? I don't think any less of Rachmaninov because he's a late-Romantic just like I don't think any more of Prokofiev because he's a Modernist. I'm simply saying that I think Prokofiev, in terms of style, had more variety to offer the listener. But, as with anything, it'll always come down to subjectivity, which, in this case, I do enjoy more Prokofiev than Rachmaninov truth be told.
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: marvinbrown on January 24, 2014, 12:48:20 AM
Post by: marvinbrown on January 24, 2014, 12:48:20 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on January 23, 2014, 05:52:42 PM
Ah, but Prokofiev composed successfully in more genres than Rachmaninov or I should say his compositional 'wingspan' was wider. For example, Prokofiev wrote some absolutely masterful ballets. Have you heard any of them? Have you heard Alexander Nevsky? This is another Prokofiev masterwork that sits right beside any Russian choral masterpiece. I think it's safe to say here you just prefer Rachmaninov over Prokofiev, which is absolutely fine of course, but don't think for a minute that Prokofiev wasn't a versatile composer. He was a true chameleon. It would take you a lifetime to be able to peg down the essence of Prokofiev, while, Rachmaninov, on the other hand, was much more straightforward, IMHO, in his musical endeavors.
Yes you are right, Prokofiev did compose in more genres than Rachmaninov, and yes Rach was more straightforward in his "Romantic" approach. I will admit though that I do prefer Rach overall. The only Prokofiev ballets that I have heard are Romeo and Juliet and Cinderella so I will look into Alexander Nevsky.
I think part of the problem here is that Prokofiev is not promoted as much as he should be. When I think of Prokofiev I think the 7 symphonies (especially 1 "Classical" and 5), the Fiery Angel (opera) and the piano and violin concertos. I very rarely play Love for Three Oranges and hardly read anything enthusiastic about his other compositions. I think this is the problem here, very little is written about this man beyond those compositions I mentioned.
marvin
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: North Star on January 24, 2014, 01:06:20 AM
Post by: North Star on January 24, 2014, 01:06:20 AM
Quote from: marvinbrown on January 24, 2014, 12:48:20 AMSolo piano works!
Yes you are right, Prokofiev did compose in more genres than Rachmaninov, and yes Rach was more straightforward in his "Romantic" approach. I will admit though that I do prefer Rach overall. The only Prokofiev ballets that I have heard are Romeo and Juliet and Cinderella so I will look into Alexander Nevsky.
I think part of the problem here is that Prokofiev is not promoted as much as he should be. When I think of Prokofiev I think the 7 symphonies (especially 1 "Classical" and 5), the Fiery Angel (opera) and the piano and violin concertos. I very rarely play Love for Three Oranges and hardly read anything enthusiastic about his other compositions. I think this is the problem here, very little is written about this man beyond those compositions I mentioned.
marvin
Have you heard Violin Sonata no. 1 in F minor, Op. 80 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHC7SEYcyMs) or the Cello Sonata (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHIdzZ1P1pg)? Is Semyon Kotko (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqBEhrs_ZNw) among the operas you've heard?
...Scythian Suite (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfQb6BKq_ZU)...
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: marvinbrown on January 24, 2014, 04:21:26 AM
Post by: marvinbrown on January 24, 2014, 04:21:26 AM
Quote from: North Star on January 24, 2014, 01:06:20 AM
Solo piano works!
Have you heard Violin Sonata no. 1 in F minor, Op. 80 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHC7SEYcyMs) or the Cello Sonata (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHIdzZ1P1pg)? Is Semyon Kotko (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqBEhrs_ZNw) among the operas you've heard?
...Scythian Suite (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfQb6BKq_ZU)...
I have not heard the solo piano works, although I vaguely remember someone recommending them to me. I have the violin sonatas I believe but not the cello sonata nor have I heard Semyon Kotko. I should get moving on these.
Thanks for the recommendations. My amazon.co.uk shopping list grows by the hour. :)
marvin
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: Cato on January 24, 2014, 06:03:21 AM
Post by: Cato on January 24, 2014, 06:03:21 AM
Protopopov composed (as far as I can find) all of 11 works. Apparently after his musical theories were found wanting in Marxist thought ??? ??? ??? by Stalin's government, he either stopped composing altogether, or never published whatever he did compose.
I found this very nice explanation of his music: it concentrates mainly on the 3 Piano Sonatas:
http://books.google.com/books?id=WNfpClVLAasC&pg=PA283#v=onepage&q&f=false (http://books.google.com/books?id=WNfpClVLAasC&pg=PA283#v=onepage&q&f=false)
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: Karl Henning on January 24, 2014, 06:14:55 AM
Post by: Karl Henning on January 24, 2014, 06:14:55 AM
Quote from: marvinbrown on January 24, 2014, 04:21:26 AMQuote from: North Star on January 24, 2014, 01:06:20 AM
Solo piano works!
Have you heard Violin Sonata no. 1 in F minor, Op. 80 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHC7SEYcyMs) or the Cello Sonata (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHIdzZ1P1pg)? Is Semyon Kotko (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqBEhrs_ZNw) among the operas you've heard?
...Scythian Suite (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfQb6BKq_ZU)...
I have not heard the solo piano works, although I vaguely remember someone recommending them to me. I have the violin sonatas I believe but not the cello sonata nor have I heard Semyon Kotko. I should get moving on these.
Thanks for the recommendations. My amazon.co.uk shopping list grows by the hour. :)
Karlo's suggestion of the Op.80 is particularly apt, Marvin. If that is a piece you do not yet know — run, do not walk. It will melt you.
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: North Star on January 24, 2014, 06:34:42 AM
Post by: North Star on January 24, 2014, 06:34:42 AM
Quote from: Cato on January 24, 2014, 06:03:21 AMAh, you've discovered the name under which Gavriil Popov published his premature works! ;)
Protopopov composed (as far as I can find) all of 11 works. Apparently after his musical theories were found wanting in Marxist thought ??? ??? ??? by Stalin's government, he either stopped composing altogether, or never published whatever he did compose.
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: Mirror Image on January 24, 2014, 06:41:00 AM
Post by: Mirror Image on January 24, 2014, 06:41:00 AM
Quote from: marvinbrown on January 24, 2014, 12:48:20 AM
Yes you are right, Prokofiev did compose in more genres than Rachmaninov, and yes Rach was more straightforward in his "Romantic" approach. I will admit though that I do prefer Rach overall. The only Prokofiev ballets that I have heard are Romeo and Juliet and Cinderella so I will look into Alexander Nevsky.
I think part of the problem here is that Prokofiev is not promoted as much as he should be. When I think of Prokofiev I think the 7 symphonies (especially 1 "Classical" and 5), the Fiery Angel (opera) and the piano and violin concertos. I very rarely play Love for Three Oranges and hardly read anything enthusiastic about his other compositions. I think this is the problem here, very little is written about this man beyond those compositions I mentioned.
Well, Prokofiev wrote several ballets that worth hearing besides Romeo & Juliet and Cinderella. Like, for instance, On the Dnieper, Le pas d'acier, Chout, The Prodigal Son (Symphony No. 4 and this ballet share some thematic material) and The Stone Flower. Have you heard Sinfonia Concertante for cello and orchestra? This is another masterful work. Oh and Alexander Nevsky, just to be clear, is a cantata, not a ballet.
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: Karl Henning on January 24, 2014, 06:43:40 AM
Post by: Karl Henning on January 24, 2014, 06:43:40 AM
I've been listening again to L'enfant prodigue these past two evenings, miraculously beautiful.
(* chortle *)
Quote from: North Star on January 24, 2014, 06:34:42 AM
Ah, you've discovered the name under which Gavriil Popov published his premature works! ;)
(* chortle *)
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: North Star on January 24, 2014, 06:44:44 AM
Post by: North Star on January 24, 2014, 06:44:44 AM
Quote from: marvinbrown on January 24, 2014, 04:21:26 AMThat must have been me (and Don).
I have not heard the solo piano works, although I vaguely remember someone recommending them to me. I have the violin sonatas I believe but not the cello sonata nor have I heard Semyon Kotko. I should get moving on these.
Thanks for the recommendations. My amazon.co.uk shopping list grows by the hour. :)
marvin
Semyon Kotko should appeal to you with it's melodic nature.
Since you already have the violin sonatas, this is the next Prokofiev you want:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516Jtd5-asL._SY450__PJautoripBadge,BottomRight,4,-40_OU11__.jpg) (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Prokofiev-Raekallio-Piano-Sonatas-Matti/dp/B004TWOXGC)
Quote from: karlhenning on January 24, 2014, 06:14:55 AMKarlo's suggestion of the Op.80 is particularly apt, Marvin. If that is a piece you do not yet know — run, do not walk. It will melt you.Funny how you said to run, not walk to get the Kremer/Argerich recording when I joined and asked for recommendations, 2½ years ago, like that recurring comment on Schnittke 1st 8)
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: Mirror Image on January 24, 2014, 06:49:25 AM
Post by: Mirror Image on January 24, 2014, 06:49:25 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on January 24, 2014, 06:43:40 AM
I've been listening again to L'enfant prodigue these past two evenings, miraculously beautiful.
Seconded. A gorgeous work and one of my favorites, but I love all of Prokofiev's ballets. So I suppose I'm just biased all-around here. 8)
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on January 24, 2014, 05:37:10 PM
Post by: Dancing Divertimentian on January 24, 2014, 05:37:10 PM
Quote from: North Star on January 24, 2014, 06:44:44 AM
That must have been me (and Don).
;D
Yes, outstanding set...
QuoteSemyon Kotko should appeal to you with it's melodic nature.
Since you already have the violin sonatas, this is the next Prokofiev you want:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516Jtd5-asL._SY450__PJautoripBadge,BottomRight,4,-40_OU11__.jpg) (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Prokofiev-Raekallio-Piano-Sonatas-Matti/dp/B004TWOXGC)
I don't have much time but Marvin I hope now you've seen what Prokofiev means to many of us! :) Our numbers may not reach Beethovenian heights but the gap is closing by the day!
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: Karl Henning on January 27, 2014, 04:50:45 AM
Post by: Karl Henning on January 27, 2014, 04:50:45 AM
Quote from: North Star on January 24, 2014, 06:44:44 AM
That must have been me (and Don).
Semyon Kotko should appeal to you with it's melodic nature.
Since you already have the violin sonatas, this is the next Prokofiev you want:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516Jtd5-asL._SY450__PJautoripBadge,BottomRight,4,-40_OU11__.jpg) (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Prokofiev-Raekallio-Piano-Sonatas-Matti/dp/B004TWOXGC)
Funny how you said to run, not walk to get the Kremer/Argerich recording when I joined and asked for recommendations, 2½ years ago, like that recurring comment on Schnittke 1st 8)
I need to take fewer wild rides, I guess, my friend! :)
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: marvinbrown on January 27, 2014, 09:42:36 AM
Post by: marvinbrown on January 27, 2014, 09:42:36 AM
Quote from: North Star on January 24, 2014, 06:44:44 AM
That must have been me (and Don).
Semyon Kotko should appeal to you with it's melodic nature.
Since you already have the violin sonatas, this is the next Prokofiev you want:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516Jtd5-asL._SY450__PJautoripBadge,BottomRight,4,-40_OU11__.jpg) (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Prokofiev-Raekallio-Piano-Sonatas-Matti/dp/B004TWOXGC)
Funny how you said to run, not walk to get the Kremer/Argerich recording when I joined and asked for recommendations, 2½ years ago, like that recurring comment on Schnittke 1st 8)
Yes that is it! I remember seeing that recording of the piano sonatas. I'll get that now and look into the other suggestion. Thank you all for the recommendations. Somebody should marry this thread with the what % of Prokofiev have you heard poll/thread...I can't seem to find it now....its been such a long time I am going to have to go through my posts.
EDIT: I found it: http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,21082.msg670603.html#msg670603 (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,21082.msg670603.html#msg670603) and you were right North Star IT WAS YOU!! :)
marvin
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: Sammy on January 27, 2014, 10:14:47 AM
Post by: Sammy on January 27, 2014, 10:14:47 AM
Both Rachmaninov and Prokofiev are greater composers than Taneyev. However, I've listened to Taneyev more often in the past ten years so I voted for the guy.
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: Brahmsian on January 27, 2014, 10:49:39 AM
Post by: Brahmsian on January 27, 2014, 10:49:39 AM
Quote from: Sammy on January 27, 2014, 10:14:47 AM
Both Rachmaninov and Prokofiev are greater composers than Taneyev. However, I've listened to Taneyev more often in the past ten years so I voted for the guy.
Thumbs up! :)
Title: Re: Battle of the Sergeis
Post by: North Star on January 27, 2014, 11:53:17 AM
Post by: North Star on January 27, 2014, 11:53:17 AM
Quote from: marvinbrown on January 27, 2014, 09:42:36 AMExcellent! (I think I've heard 55% now, btw - and that Chiu set has become $100 cheaper - only $299.99 now...
Yes that is it! I remember seeing that recording of the piano sonatas. I'll get that now and look into the other suggestion. Thank you all for the recommendations. Somebody should marry this thread with the what % of Prokofiev have you heard poll/thread...I can't seem to find it now....its been such a long time I am going to have to go through my posts.
EDIT: I found it: http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,21082.msg670603.html#msg670603 (http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,21082.msg670603.html#msg670603) and you were right North Star IT WAS YOU!! :)
marvin