GMG Classical Music Forum

I am looking to finally close a big hole in my collection, that being Prokofiev's symphonies. I have a few of them, but have actually not heard all of them. If you can add any info that helps characterize each cycle (or those you know), that would be much appreciated. If you prefer mix and match, I am also open to that option.

In my own search, I was leaning towards Jarvi. Gergiev is already out (but I left the option anyway in case others are interested).

I voted for Rhozhdestvensky.  Be warned that the playing is very brash.  For a more purely beautiful 6, for example, there is Ormandy, Ashkenazy, or Weller.  Weller also makes 2 and 3 more accessible than most others do.

Ozawa/Berliners. As a cycle, I find none to better them.

Well, crap. I meant to hit Ozawa, but clicked Jarvi instead. I failed this poll  :'(

Ozawa has its faults, but IMO it's overall the most consistent complete set. I don't like the recorded sound from Jarvi/Chandos, even though there is some very nice playing in the 3rd, 4th(s) and 6th. The Kitajenko set is very good, not always exciting but in great sonics. Rostropovich is a very nice alternative, but their are better orchestral performances.

My perfect set would definitely be a mix and match, 2nd/Leinsdorf, 3rd/Muti-Chailly(tie), 5th/Levine, 7th/Tennstedt to name a few. but I wanted to vote for a complete set...

...which I failed at.

Quote from: TheGSMoeller on February 14, 2014, 08:59:16 AM
Well, crap. I meant to hit Ozawa, but clicked Jarvi instead. I failed this poll  :'(

Ozawa has its faults, but IMO it's overall the most consistent complete set. I don't like the recorded sound from Jarvi/Chandos, even though there is some very nice playing in the 3rd, 4th(s) and 6th. The Kitajenko set is very good, not always exciting but in great sonics. Rostropovich is a very nice alternative, but their are better orchestral performances.

My perfect set would definitely be a mix and match, 2nd/Leinsdorf, 3rd/Muti-Chailly(tie), 5th/Levine, 7th/Tennstedt to name a few. but I wanted to vote for a complete set...

...which I failed at.

I am so sorry. But on the other hand, a very funny (and useful) post!  See, you would not have had such a unique post had you just answered it without mishap! :)

I put Rozhdestvensky's cycle above all others, but I also like Jarvi and Kitajenko. I hope Alsop finishes her ongoing cycle with the Sao Paulo SO.

Abstain. I had Gergiev. Couldn't get rid of it fast enough. So I cast one vote against him.  :D

Quote from: Ken B on February 14, 2014, 04:58:07 PM
Abstain. I had Gergiev. Couldn't get rid of it fast enough. So I cast one vote against him.  :D

I still own it, but it's not a favorite cycle that's for sure.

As usual, mix and match for me:

1 & 7: Malko (alternate 7th: Smetacek)
2: Leinsdorf or Polyansky (alternate: Rozhdestvensky)
6: Leinsdorf
3 & 4: I'm more fond of the stage works these symphonies are derived from, but if pressed: Muti or Kondrashin for the 3rd
5: Martinon on Testamant  (or probably Leinsdorf, too.)

Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on February 14, 2014, 06:12:41 PM
As usual, mix and match for me:

1 & 7: Malko (alternate 7th: Smetacek)
2: Leinsdorf or Polyansky (alternate: Rozhdestvensky)
6: Leinsdorf
3 & 4: I'm more fond of the stage works these symphonies are derived from, but if pressed: Muti or Kondrashin for the 3rd
5: Martinon on Testamant  (or probably Leinsdorf, too.)

Of interest, thanks...but now, vote for a cycle :D

I don't have the 7th from the Rozhdestvensky cycle, but from the first six I'd be confident in voting for it, though Leinsdorf would be a strong contender if it were complete. Ozawa remains essential for me because of his superb 7th.

As posted elsewhere, I'd like to hear Kosler.

Quote from: karlhenning on February 14, 2014, 07:01:20 PM
Of interest, thanks...but now, vote for a cycle :D

I get it. Strong-arm tactics. Well, I won't conform!! ;D

Anyway, I did vote for one of the options above (second from the bottom), so I've played the game to an extent.

But give me my cobbled cycle over anyone in the poll.

What I know from those listed, Jarvi's sixth never did it for me so I never ventured further with his cycle.

I have Rozhdestvensky's 2nd and 7th and while I do enjoy them they're not my first choices.

Ozawa, well, I'm just not a fan of his streamlined approach.

Gergiev has always been a winner for me in Prokofiev but I've yet to be won over by his LSO cycle.

I have absolutely no love at all for Rostropovich as a conductor so I won't even venture there.

Leinsdorf is one of my faves for sure. If he'd have completed his cycle it'd be among the best.

Otherwise, all I can say is, just pony up for some of my individual recommendations! :D Starting with Malko's 1st and 7th. One of the finest Prokofiev discs out there. 

I second Malko. That was EMI's very first stereo release, my very first CD, and the sound is outstanding. It,s the only 7th I've ever really liked. I think he plays it more like a ballet. Anyway, great disc.

Quote from: mc ukrneal on February 14, 2014, 08:14:54 AM
I am looking to finally close a big hole in my collection, that being Prokofiev's symphonies. I have a few of them, but have actually not heard all of them. If you can add any info that helps characterize each cycle (or those you know), that would be much appreciated. If you prefer mix and match, I am also open to that option.

In my own search, I was leaning towards Jarvi. Gergiev is already out (but I left the option anyway in case others are interested).

Hi Neal, just wondering why you ruled out Gergiev? I have been listening to this cycle today and think its pretty good!. I have been listening to Prokofiev Symphonies most of the day, I have 3 sets; Gergiev, Jarvi and Ozawa. Im not sure which one I prefer but I certainly think Jarvi's set is a keeper if you were to get that one :).

I picked Ozawa. Yeah, mix and match would be great, but if you're hunting for a cycle I'd say Ozawa's is best. Amazing orchestral execution with a melodious quality that few other cycles have.

Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on February 14, 2014, 08:37:56 PM
I get it. Strong-arm tactics. Well, I won't conform!! ;D

U B U! :)

Quote. . . What I know from those listed, Jarvi's sixth never did it for me so I never ventured further with his cycle.

Interesting . . . I do actually think the Op.111 perhaps Järvi's strongest effort in his own survey . . . . (FWIW)

Quote from: edward on February 14, 2014, 07:21:42 PM
. . . Ozawa remains essential for me because of his superb 7th.

QFT :)

Quote from: TheGSMoeller on February 14, 2014, 08:59:16 AM
Well, crap. I meant to hit Ozawa, but clicked Jarvi instead.

Well, but . . . that does mean that the sole vote for Järvi was . . . a mistake.

Which is an interesting data point  8)

Quote from: Conor on February 14, 2014, 09:54:44 PM
Hi Neal, just wondering why you ruled out Gergiev? I have been listening to this cycle today and think its pretty good!. I have been listening to Prokofiev Symphonies most of the day, I have 3 sets; Gergiev, Jarvi and Ozawa. Im not sure which one I prefer but I certainly think Jarvi's set is a keeper if you were to get that one :).

I've generally been disappointed by his non-opera performances, so I just avoid them now. He's better in opera (and ballet too, though here I am more mixed - sometimes he is just too fast).

Quote from: mc ukrneal on February 15, 2014, 03:16:01 AM
I've generally been disappointed by his non-opera performances, so I just avoid them now. He's better in opera (and ballet too, though here I am more mixed - sometimes he is just too fast).

On those lines, I've found his Shostakovich symphonies wildly mixed . . . where one would think he should be solidly in his element.

Quote from: mc ukrneal on February 14, 2014, 08:14:54 AM
I am looking to finally close a big hole in my collection, that being Prokofiev's symphonies. In my own search, I was leaning towards Jarvi.

I own all the complete cycles. Ozawa and Kitajenko are my favorites (with O getting the vote). They tend to concentrate on the beauty of the scores without, I think, sacrificing truth--although they are less exciting perhaps and definitely less jarring. Ozawa has an artificial, multi-miked soundstage with instruments highlighted (the Hurwitzer's classic "Jumbo the killer oboe" reference  :D ) which doesn't bother me at all. Kitajenko's sonics are perfect though: detailed and realistic and gorgeous, offering a hedonistic listening experience. They both play the original ending of the Seventh, a definite plus (your stated front-runner, Järvi, tacks on the "happy ending" revision as does Weller).

Since we usually prefer opposites you can safely forget about purchasing one of my favorites and just grab Järvi, my least favorite  ;)


Sarge

I like Jarvi.  :)

Quote from: ChamberNut on February 15, 2014, 07:05:18 AM
I like Jarvi.  :)

Of course you do; I would have bet my life on it  ;)

Sarge

Quote from: ChamberNut on February 15, 2014, 07:05:18 AM
I like Jarvi.  :)

Jarvi conducts a sizzling Symphony No. 2.

Quote from: Mirror Image on February 15, 2014, 07:24:00 AM
Jarvi conducts a sizzling Symphony No. 2.

Jarvi loves to sizzle even when it calls for simmer.

Quote from: springrite on February 15, 2014, 07:33:23 AM
Jarvi loves to sizzle even when it calls for simmer.

Haha...indeed.

Quote from: Mirror Image on February 15, 2014, 07:24:00 AM
Jarvi conducts a sizzling Symphony No. 2.

Might be the right approach: there's no steak there.

Quote from: Sergeant Rock on February 15, 2014, 07:17:30 AM
Of course you do; I would have bet my life on it  ;)

Sarge

:D

Quote from: Sergeant Rock on February 15, 2014, 05:54:48 AM
I own all the complete cycles. Ozawa and Kitajenko are my favorites (with O getting the vote). They tend to concentrate on the beauty of the scores without, I think, sacrificing truth--although they are less exciting perhaps and definitely less jarring. Ozawa has an artificial, multi-miked soundstage with instruments highlighted (the Hurwitzer's classic "Jumbo the killer oboe" reference  :D ) which doesn't bother me at all. Kitajenko's sonics are perfect though: detailed and realistic and gorgeous, offering a hedonistic listening experience. They both play the original ending of the Seventh, a definite plus (your stated front-runner, Järvi, tacks on the "happy ending" revision as does Weller).

Since we usually prefer opposites you can safely forget about purchasing one of my favorites and just grab Järvi, my least favorite  ;)


Sarge

Maybe, but those three were the three from which I was most serious. The Kitajenko may be more difficult to track down at a cheaper price, but sounded great. The Ozawa is, for me, probably the safest in that it is fairly well univesally liked. Jarvi seems more risky to me, and yet not way out there. The last two can be had relatively cheaply (though I think Ozawa cheapest of all). Lots to think about.

But I hope people will keep up the votes!

Quote from: Ken B on February 14, 2014, 09:26:25 PM
I second Malko. That was EMI's very first stereo release, my very first CD, and the sound is outstanding. It,s the only 7th I've ever really liked. I think he plays it more like a ballet. Anyway, great disc.

Yes, hard to believe this is such an early recording (1955). You'd never guess from the high quality sound. Way ahead of its time. EMI produced others like this around this time but before long things skidded into waywardness.

And Malko's interpretations make it all the more sweeter.

Quote from: mc ukrneal on February 15, 2014, 03:48:50 PMJarvi seems more risky to me, and yet not way out there.

Harry and Jens haven't weighed in but I believe Järvi is their favorite. And let me clarify: I don't dislike Järvi (well, except his Seventh's happy end...but even that is nice to have in the collection as an sometime alternative). I'm listening now to his Classical and, contrary to what I recall about it, it's as much simmer as sizzle.

Sarge

This poll is of great interest to me because I only own 1 set, Gergiev, and despite repeated listenings have never been able to connect with it.  So I'm in the market to try something else.   

Quote from: mc ukrneal on February 15, 2014, 03:48:50 PM
Maybe, but those three were the three from which I was most serious. The Kitajenko may be more difficult to track down at a cheaper price, but sounded great. The Ozawa is, for me, probably the safest in that it is fairly well univesally liked. Jarvi seems more risky to me, and yet not way out there. The last two can be had relatively cheaply (though I think Ozawa cheapest of all). Lots to think about.

But I hope people will keep up the votes!

It certainly isn't liked by the Penguin Guide, which gives it 1 star! What's up with that?

Quote from: NJ Joe on February 16, 2014, 05:35:21 AM
It certainly isn't liked by the Penguin Guide, which gives it 1 star! What's up with that?

Classics Today, the Hurwitzer, gave it one of his more vicious reviews too. Let's just say a bunch of us don't agree with the negative critics.

Sarge

Quote from: Sergeant Rock on February 16, 2014, 05:45:46 AM
Classics Today, the Hurwitzer, gave it one of his more vicious reviews too. Let's just say a bunch of us don't agree with the negative critics.

Sarge

I'm leaning towards buying it, to be sure.

Speaking of the Hurwitzer, what do people think of ClassicsToday reviews in general? I have an opinion but I want to hear what others think before sharing it.

Quote from: Ken B on February 16, 2014, 11:22:20 AM
Speaking of the Hurwitzer, what do people think of ClassicsToday reviews in general? I have an opinion but I want to hear what others think before sharing it.

Just like with all reviewers/critics, sometimes I agree with them, sometimes I don't. Hurwitz has a way of sounding a bit childish in his negative reviews, but I find most of his 10/10 picks to be spot on.

Quote from: Ken B on February 16, 2014, 11:22:20 AM
Speaking of the Hurwitzer, what do people think of ClassicsToday reviews in general? I have an opinion but I want to hear what others think before sharing it.

I think most of the reviews are full of hot air. I prefer reading reviews from MusicWeb.

Quote from: Ken B on February 16, 2014, 11:22:20 AM
Speaking of the Hurwitzer, what do people think of ClassicsToday reviews in general? I have an opinion but I want to hear what others think before sharing it.

I agree with Greg. Jed Distler seems to be pretty reliable for piano music, but sometimes very picky. Robert Levine is very smart about opera. David Vernier is my favorite of their reviewers: he's very experienced with choral music, he usually only writes a review if he's heard an album he loves and wants to share his passion for it (I have him to thank for discovering this great album (http://www.classicstoday.com/review/review-5543/)), and that gives the very rare Vernier negative writeups major weight in my book. If Vernier hates a recording, I take heed.

Once you get to know his tastes and prejudices Hurwitz can be very informative. Hurwitz has major problems with the HIP (Historically Informed Performance) movement, he has idiosyncratic ideas about what's required in Mahler, and he will give 10/10 to almost any half-decent post-Mahlerian symphonies that are gigantic and splashy and excessive. When you figure these things out, it's often possible to read a Hurwitz pan and recognize something you'll like, or read him waxing rhapsodic about obscure music and recognizing that the music is actually not that great. (Confusingly, he's also a strong advocate for obscure music that is pretty great; he arranged and performed in the US premiere of George Lloyd's masterful Fifth Symphony.)

EDIT: If I agree with John (MI) that MusicWeb is better, it's only because I've written over 300 reviews for them.  ;)

I'm more with Brian and MI.
Actually it's the 10/10 reviews from Hurwitz, and his 1/10, that I don't trust. The North Yakima Symphony is better than the Berlin or Concertgebouw? That seems to happen often. And he's way too soft on Naxos.
I generally trust Distler though.
Probably I,ve read som of your MW reviews Brian!

Quote from: Ken B on February 16, 2014, 12:37:13 PM
The North Yakima Symphony is better than the Berlin or Concertgebouw? That seems to happen often. And he's way too soft on Naxos.

Interestingly this is an area I appreciate from Hurwitz, he doesn't always seem to prefer the heavy hitters. The answer to your question is no, Berlin is better, but there are many times where the North Yakima Symphony might perform better. Growing up with musicians and having the ability to listen to lesser known orchestras I've realized that there is talent at all levels, and I like that Hurwitz recognizes this. I've heard the San Antonio Symphony multiple times in 2007 and several of those concerts sounded better than some of the Philadelphia and NYPhil concerts I attended.

:)

I have trouble thinking the doughty North Yakima crew are out-playing the Berliners in Prokofiev here, though ;)

Quote from: TheGSMoeller on February 16, 2014, 12:52:56 PM
Interestingly this is an area I appreciate from Hurwitz, he doesn't always seem to prefer the heavy hitters. The answer to your question is no, Berlin is better, but there are many times where the North Yakima Symphony might perform better.

Yes indeed. Note how BIS, for instance, is able to get great work out of no-name Scandinavian orchestras.

And on topic, I voted for Weller. I don't actually regard Prokofiev all that highly as a symphonist. So this cheap, well-done, good-sounding set does the job for me on the rare occasions I want to hear his symphonies.

Quote from: Velimir on February 16, 2014, 01:05:06 PM
Yes indeed. Note how BIS, for instance, is able to get great work out of no-name Scandinavian orchestras.

No kidding. I'm continually awestruck that even freaking Lapland has great chamber orchestras. (Check out the Arctic Philharmonic's virtuosic Tchaikovsky.) And Hurwitz was very quick to recognize the ongoing greatness that is the Pittsburgh Symphony. I still see where the critique comes from - but just about every reviewer suffers from the fallacy, "This composer/piece is little-known and I haven't heard (m)any other recordings; therefore this performance by the North Yakima Symphony is superb!"

Quote from: Velimir on February 16, 2014, 01:05:06 PM

And on topic, I voted for Weller. I don't actually regard Prokofiev all that highly as a symphonist. So this cheap, well-done, good-sounding set does the job for me on the rare occasions I want to hear his symphonies.

With just one and five
One can survive

Quote from: Ken B on February 16, 2014, 01:29:27 PM
With just one and five
One can survive

Even allowing for our difference of opinion on the merits of the Op.40 . . . and even if you align with the traditional dismissal of the Op.131 . . . can you be unfeeling of the powers of the Op.111?  :)

Quote from: karlhenning on February 16, 2014, 01:54:11 PM
Even allowing for our difference of opinion on the merits of the Op.40 . . . and even if you align with the traditional dismissal of the Op.131 . . . can you be unfeeling of the powers of the Op.111?  :)

I freely concede 111 is three times the symphony 40 is. :)

Quote from: Ken B on February 16, 2014, 01:29:27 PM
With just one and five
One can survive

Seven with original ending! In the long run it might end up being my favorite of the cycle (currently #1).

I rather liked the old Martinon cycle on Vox/Turnabout (not on list). Certainly I rated  his Symphony No 6 very highly. For No 5 Rozhdestvensky is my favourite.

Quote from: Brian on February 16, 2014, 03:06:21 PM
Seven with original ending! In the long run it might end up being my favorite of the cycle (currently #1).

Indeed!

Quote from: Brian on February 16, 2014, 03:06:21 PM
Seven with original ending! In the long run it might end up being my favorite of the cycle (currently #1).

I wish I'd been that perceptive when I was younger... it took me over a decade to recognize its qualities, particularly the staggering disconnect between what it says and what it means (no wonder Shostakovich liked the work).

It's interesting that there's very few conventional happy endings in Prokofiev's symphonies: the 5th's coda undercuts the whole heroic narrative he's set up over the previous 40 minutes, the 2nd is emotionally ambivalent the whole way through, and the 3rd and 6th end in outright catastrophe. Yet the 7th might have the bleakest ending of them all.

Quote from: Ken B on February 16, 2014, 01:29:27 PM
With just one and five
One can survive

I get my kicks
from Five and Six  :)

Quote from: Velimir on February 17, 2014, 01:22:21 PM
I get my kicks
from Five and Six  :)

If orchestral bliss you would know
To the concerti you must go.

Quote from: Ken B on February 17, 2014, 02:19:57 PM
If orchestral bliss you would know
To the concerti you must go.

Let's not forget that ol' Sergei
Did some great things in ballet.

Quote from: Velimir on February 17, 2014, 02:28:35 PM
Let's not forget that ol' Sergei
Did some great things in ballet.

Indeed; my affection for the fella
Increased upon hearing "Cinderella"

Don't snicker and haw-hee so
I like Stone Flower, with Varviso
Three oranges I have love for yet,
But prefer Romeo and Juliet.

Quote from: vandermolen on February 17, 2014, 08:07:14 AM
I rather liked the old Martinon cycle on Vox/Turnabout (not on list).

I haven't heard Martinon's Vox recordings but I really enjoy his earlier 5 & 7 on Testament (w/ the Paris Conservatory Orchestra).




[asin]B000094YFB[/asin]


Now back to the Haiku... ;D

No more rhymes, I mean it!

— Does anyone want a peanut?

Quote from: karlhenning on February 16, 2014, 01:54:11 PMcan you be unfeeling of the powers of the Op.111?  :)

The Sixth is not bad
But the slow movement's boring
Refrigerator

I only have Naxos and Järvi, slightly prefer the former.

Quote from: karlhenning on February 18, 2014, 01:55:58 AM
No more rhymes, I mean it!

You've been challenged, Karl; to wit:

Quote from: amw on February 18, 2014, 11:47:12 AM
The Sixth is not bad
But the slow movement's boring
Refrigerator

What a profound haiku...so deep I cannot fathom it  :D

Sarge

Haiku is it to be?

A day to celebrate
Rebirth of music
You died, and no-one heard.

All seven are fun,
I'll take 'em & run.

Quote from: Dancing Divertimentian on February 17, 2014, 08:07:16 PM
I haven't heard Martinon's Vox recordings but I really enjoy his earlier 5 & 7 on Testament (w/ the Paris Conservatory Orchestra).




[asin]B000094YFB[/asin]

Thanks, didn't know this existed.

Here is a v good review of one of the Martinon sets and available for $0.50!

http://www.amazon.com/Orchestral-Works-1-Sergey-Prokofiev/dp/B000001K1T

Quote from: vandermolen on February 20, 2014, 09:32:18 AM
Here is a v good review of one of the Martinon sets and available for $0.50!

http://www.amazon.com/Orchestral-Works-1-Sergey-Prokofiev/dp/B000001K1T

Chacun à son goût . . . I seem to recall a dissatisfaction with the sonic profile of these.  But — lemme check . . . .

Quote from: karlhenning on February 20, 2014, 09:44:49 AM
Chacun à son goût . . . I seem to recall a dissatisfaction with the sonic profile of these.  But — lemme check . . . .

When on VOX the Martinon had a rumble. Probably why an A lister ended up on Vox!  I liked 5 but the sound was poor.

Quote from: Ken B on February 20, 2014, 09:58:46 AM
When on VOX the Martinon had a rumble. Probably why an A lister ended up on Vox!  I liked 5 but the sound was poor.

But No 6 is in a class of its own - especially the ending. It is the most moving performance I know and the Amazon.com reviewer was quite upbeat about the sound.

Weller has had some good press in the UK following extracts played on a "Building a Library" programme on the BBC. You can hear his 1st Symphony from the complete set as well as Shostakovich's 9th here

http://www.cliveheathmusic.co.uk/vinyl.php

together with Karajan's 5th and several other orchestral works. 

I've heard most but not all of the sets.  I think that they are all fine with their own strengths and weaknesses that compliment each other pretty well.  If I had to choose one... perhaps Ozawa.  But really does it matter?

Listened to Kosler's 6 and 5.  The CzPO sounds gorgeous.  But I just don't seem to enjoy 5 much anymore; I was never a huge fan of it.

Quote from: vandermolen on February 20, 2014, 11:03:31 AM
But No 6 is in a class of its own - especially the ending. It is the most moving performance I know and the Amazon.com reviewer was quite upbeat about the sound.

Revisited this last night . . . I miss the clarity which I so enjoy in other recordings (Ozawa, Järvi, Slava . . . Slava is particularly good here, I have recently discovered).  Whenever the timpani are beaten in the last movement (and they are, often and enthusiastically, as is right) almost all other detail in the sound is overpowered.

The Slava set has been what I've listened to in the car this past week or so.  Overall, very good, with a couple of grave-ish (IMO) caveats.  The sound is nice and rich, the band play very musically . . . and in particular, there are several low-string-choir passages which sound as good as any other performances I've heard – you can hear in the playing that they are cellists and bassists responding to a conductor who is a legendary cellist.

The Fifth, Sixth and Seventh are stand-outs (in the good way  :) ) in this set.  The Classical comes close to vexing me . . . where I find that Ozawa's taking the piece with deliberate (though energized) elegance is entirely successful and illuming, Slava seems to take that notion another notch or two . . . and seems to me almost to court lassitude.  All that said, I find it an enjoyable listen, for it remains an engagingly musical performance, even while I think the tempo/energy decisions at times questionable.

It will come as no surprise to many here that I am a great fan of the Second, and it is the first movement (Allegro ben articolato) wherewith Slava puzzles me most, we might say.  He makes that first movement a curiously lyrical affair, to a degree which almost seems to flout what the composer himself remarked about the piece ("iron and steel"). (Of course, you may guess that Slava handles the theme of the second movement's variations beautifully.)  So, I should call it an interpretation worth hearing, and beautifully rendered by the orchestra, though not an interpretation I could truly endorse.

Just started listening to the (Op.47) Fourth this morning (both versions of the Fourth are included in this set), and so far it is sounding nice.  More hereafter . . . .

Somehow I am engaged here . . . so I am re-visiting the sets of Järvi and, soon, Rozhdestvensky.

I've lived a bit with the Rozhdestvensky set now.  And in the big-picture, some-you-win,-some-you-lose aspect of things, I am philosophically considering this money poorly spent  ;)   The recordings are all, erm, classic Melodiya provenance, so one "enjoys" both the grainy sonics, and the (e.g.) pert-near-insufferable tone of the Russian orchestral trumpets in the lower stretch of their range.  Some of the tempo variations are interesting to note, without my finding them compelling.

I've snaffled so many excellent bargains (and so often, thanks to GMG'ers), though, that even writing this box off does not vex me at all.

Quote from: Ken B on February 17, 2014, 05:17:22 PM
Don't snicker and haw-hee so
I like Stone Flower, with Varviso
Three oranges I have love for yet,
But prefer Romeo and Juliet.

It has only taken me 9+ months to finally dive in. I picked up the Ozawa cycle for under $10 and it arrived last night. Very excited to dive in. It was ultimately the price that did it for me - just too good a bargain and it fills one of the few holes left in my collection.
[asin]B00004SA89[/asin]

Good catch!

Voted for Rozhdestvensky, I can listen to his No. 2, the only thing I care. The only complete set I've heard is that of Ghergiev.

Alas and alack (:)) I am back in the market for the Prokofiev symphonies. The Ozawa have 1-2 or two I liked, but they were frustrating for the most part. Tempos did not seem comfortable in some parts, unison was sorely lacking at times. Take the 5th (your honor), which I thought one of the more successful symphonies - the piano often simply comes in out of synch - a real shame because I rather liked the opening. I never thought it possible to make #1 a horror, but here I find it nearly unlistenable. Anyway, I am not trying to offend anyone, but this is not the version for me.

So here I am nearly at square one again. Perhaps someone could recommend a few single discs that you think are truly amazing. Alternatively, knowing I didn't like the Ozawa, is there one cycle that is somehow the opposite, and thus likely to be embraced by yours truly?

Kirill Karabits has completed his cycle, including the original 4.  I'll have to revisit the rest of the cycle, but his 5 and 6 are among the best I've heard.

[asin]B00NAKWUB4[/asin]

(Please don't judge by the day-glo covers.  The production values are otherwise excellent.)

4 (revised) + 6: https://open.spotify.com/album/1Cm2p55jIRvfici61Omnmb
4 (original) + 5: https://open.spotify.com/album/01WqKTXGaX37wIHbxcUfGI
3 + 7: https://open.spotify.com/album/0qxZFKkqmG19FgErMqjlbV
1 + 2: https://open.spotify.com/album/10HnwPSjODLzJBKZJnXfRR

It's also on Tidal:

http://tidal.com/playlist/15049f2a-3f34-4a77-8453-b3356077e374

Quote from: mc ukrneal on December 13, 2015, 10:14:27 AMI never thought it possible to make #1 a horror, but here I find it nearly unlistenable.

Ouch...and wow. Ozawa's Classical is my favorite by far. But then, given our history, it's no surprise we disagree, eh?  ;D

Quote from: mc ukrneal on December 13, 2015, 10:14:27 AM
So here I am nearly at square one again. Perhaps someone could recommend a few single discs that you think are truly amazing. Alternatively, knowing I didn't like the Ozawa, is there one cycle that is somehow the opposite, and thus likely to be embraced by yours truly?

The opposite of Ozawa is probably Järvi (Jens' favorite, I believe, and loved also by the Hurwitzer--he hates Ozawa).

Sarge

Quote from: karlhenning on March 04, 2014, 09:30:08 AM
I've lived a bit with the Rozhdestvensky set now.  And in the big-picture, some-you-win,-some-you-lose aspect of things, I am philosophically considering this money poorly spent  ;)   The recordings are all, erm, classic Melodiya provenance, so one "enjoys" both the grainy sonics, and the (e.g.) pert-near-insufferable tone of the Russian orchestral trumpets in the lower stretch of their range.  Some of the tempo variations are interesting to note, without my finding them compelling.

I've snaffled so many excellent bargains (and so often, thanks to GMG'ers), though, that even writing this box off does not vex me at all.

OK, perhaps my vote for Rozhdestvensky was a bit of masculine bravado.  I can handle it like a man!  At least a few times.

Quote from: Daverz on December 13, 2015, 01:41:26 PM
OK, perhaps my vote for Rozhdestvensky was a bit of masculine bravado.  I can handle it like a man!  At least a few times.

I still like Rozhdestvensky's rather raw recordings of Prokofiev's symphonies. Sure, they may not have the best audio quality but its still never more than serviceable and the performances themselves are top-drawer. My next favorite would be Jarvi's cycle.

Despite its limitations I like the Rozhdestvensky. And although I don't own the Kitajenko (and haven't heard all of it) it sounds like another good, detailed (and perhaps slightly formal?) option. However the set I've been returning to most recently is that of Martinon on Vox.

Quote from: Sergeant Rock on December 13, 2015, 01:41:25 PM
Ouch...and wow. Ozawa's Classical is my favorite by far. But then, given our history, it's no surprise we disagree, eh?  ;D

The opposite of Ozawa is probably Järvi (Jens' favorite, I believe, and loved also by the Hurwitzer--he hates Ozawa).

Sarge

Mine as well is Jarvi.  AND I love his take on the Classical Symphony.  It has a great, continuous energy from start to finish.

Quote from: ChamberNut on December 14, 2015, 04:32:54 AM
Mine as well is Jarvi.  AND I love his take on the Classical Symphony.  It has a great, continuous energy from start to finish.

Neal, I am often at odds with Sarge as well in terms of recordings, so perhaps Jarvi is a great recommendation for you.  :D

Neal, I can send you my Rozhdestvensky, if you want.  I'll be grateful to be able to send it to a good home  :)