Choose a Prokofiev Symphony Cyle

[mc ukrneal]

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).

[Daverz]

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.

[Karl Henning]

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

[TheGSMoeller]

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.

[mc ukrneal]

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!

[Mirror Image]

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.

[Ken B]

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

[Mirror Image]

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

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

[Dancing Divertimentian]

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.)

[Karl Henning]

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

[not edward]

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.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

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

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

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! Starting with Malko's 1st and 7th. One of the finest Prokofiev discs out there. 

[Ken B]

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.

[Willow Pattern]

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 .

[AdamFromWashington]

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.

[Karl Henning]

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

U B U!

. . . 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)

[Karl Henning]

. . . Ozawa remains essential for me because of his superb 7th.

QFT

[Karl Henning]

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 

[mc ukrneal]

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).

[Karl Henning]

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.