Choose a Prokofiev Symphony Cyle

[Daverz]

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.

[Mirror Image]

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.

[NikF]

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.

[Brahmsian]

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

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.

[Brahmsian]

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. 

[Karl Henning]

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