Prokofiev: Lieutenant Kijé; Scythian Suite

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This is an excellent collection of music largely composed during Prokofiev's Paris period--the first two decades of this century--though The Stone Flower comes from the end of his career, and Kije from the exact middle. The Scythian Suite was originally conceived as a ballet in direct competition with Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring, but when no production seemed imminent, the composer turned it into an orchestral piece. The biting, fiercely brilliant music of the Paris ballets has never been as popular as Prokofiev's later music, but this generous compilation allows you to hear the consistently high level of quality that he maintained over his entire career, and at a bargain price it's most welcome. --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

Alexander Nevsky, Op.78: I. Russia Under The Mongol Yoke
Alexander Nevsky, Op.78: II. Song About Alexander Nevsky
Alexander Nevsky, Op.78: III. The Crusaders In Pskov
Alexander Nevsky, Op.78: IV. Arise, Ye Russian People
Alexander Nevsky, Op.78: V. The Battle On The Ice
Alexander Nevsky, Op.78: VI. The Field Of The Dead
Alexander Nevsky, Op.78: VII. Alexander's Entry Into Pskov
Skythische Suite, Op.20: I. The Adoration of Veless and Ala
Skythische Suite, Op.20: II. The Enemy God And The Dance Of The Spirits Of Darkness
Skythische Suite, Op.20: III. Night
Skythische Suite, Op.20: IV. The Glorious Departure Of Lolly And The Sun's Procession
Leutnant Kije, Op.60: I. Kije 's Birth
Leutnant Kije, Op.60: II. Romance
Leutnant Kije, Op.60: III. Kije 's Wedding
Leutnant Kije, Op.60: IV. Troika
Leutnant Kije, Op.60: V. Kije 's Burial

Amazon.com

Alexander Nevsky is one of the great film scores, and a beautifully restored edition of the film with a new digitally recorded soundtrack, is now available. Eisenstein's movie was a landmark in the history of the cinema--something like half of it consists of nothing but the great "battle on the ice," and the helmets of the invading crusaders gave George Lucas some ideas for the Storm Trooper costumes in Star Wars. The cantata that Prokofiev fashioned from the complete score has all of the good tunes, but none of action-motivated repetition, and this is its best performance. Combined with the two suites, it makes a stunning Prokofiev disc. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

The Best Film Score Ever!~.......2007-03-09

Nevsky with Abbado is a stirring and moveing piece. This is the best version I've heard! Kije and the the rampaging Scythians are also first rate.

The recording to own.......2006-07-16

This is a must for any fan of tbe music
of Prokofiev. The cantat from the film
"Alexander Nevsky" is well perfomed by the
London Symphony Orchestra who is well suited
for the task. The cantata reaches a sublime point
when the solo for solo for mezzo-soprano sung by Elena
Obratsova. Also in this recording we hear Prokifiev's
Scythian Suite, as performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
under maestro Abbado. Also here is the suite from the
film score: "Lieutenant Kije". Here a prominent solo part
in different moments in the Suite is performed
by trumpeter: Adolph Herseth. The music was recorded beetween
1978 and 1980, indeed a five star classic.

A must disk for Prokofiev lovers/collectors.......2004-10-04

Claudio Abbado' is definitely one of the greatest Prokofiev conductor of all time. His recording of the Peter and the Wolf in collaboration with Sting really gives a nice, delightful touch, as well as the Classical Symphony, often given a bit loose, heavy performances by even the most eminent maestros such as Karajan.

In this album too, Abbado gives a defining performance on the more serious, dark, and thrilling music by Prokofiev. In the Alexander Nevsky Suite, based on a 13th century Russian hero who led his troops to defeat Teutonic invaders, the climatic battle on ice is especially a thrill. The chorus sings "Peregrinus expectavi" with ice cold fright and as dark as siege, and high paced tempo really drives the audience. And in the Scythian Suite, the equally savage Dance of the Dark Spirits is as powerful under Abbado as it should be.

On the other hand, the more brighter Lieutenant Kije Suite restore the charm the maestro gave when he did Peter and the Wolf.

Try it out and I'm more than positive that you'll really get blown away.

Yet another star in Abbado's "Russian crown".......2004-07-19

Maestro Abbado had done it again. From the bone-chilling bite of the strings (depicting the Russian winter) that open Alexander Nevsky across the Frozen Lake, the LSO under Abbado maintains a dramatic reading of the score. The LSC lacks nothing in the way of Russian idiom and Elena Obraztsova necessarily gives an authentic performance. Her voice is suitably dark. Personally, however, I prefer Anna Reynolds' more haunting lament under Previn...only because Reynolds sounds like a younger woman and to me this is more convincing (and tragic, given the "robbery" of war). Previn also has the added bonus of being recorded in EMI's double-forte Classics series, which also has the complete "Ivan the Terrible" (with brilliant soloists including a more youthful and vocally secure Irina Arkhipova) and Rachmaninov's "The Bells". Nonetheless, I give this recording it's due as a great rendition of what I consider to be Prokofiev's most accessible vocal work.

The Scythian Suite begins to delve into what I like less about Prokofiev but what, nonetheless, is his more radical and novel side. My comments are therefore curtailed to say this: I have heard far more impenetrable compositions so it's clearly not beyond appreciation (even from someone like me who dislikes dissonance/atonality). Moreover, Abbado's conducting doesn't convey any notion of sheer chaos, so for those who can better appreciate it, this will likely be a good reading (I'm given to believe more than "good" but given my admitted lack of objectivity on the matter, I wouldn't want to indulge my own ignorance).

Lieutenant Kije on the other hand is a lovely little work. Anyone who remembers the soundtrack from "The Gladiator" will recognise the inspiration for some of the film's music (together with Wagner's Gotterdammerung incidentally). Again Maestro Abbado conducts with true feeling and warmth, convincingly conveying the drama.

This disc forms an worthy part of any introduction to Prokofiev.

A breathtaking reading........2003-01-22

At first glance, Soviet music sung by a British Chorus and a Russian Mezzo, played by a British and an American orchestra, conducted by a German trained Italian seems too diverse to succeed, but this recording is not only a success, it's a great success.

Of the recordings on this disk, Alexander Nevsky and Lieutenant Kije both started life as score's for films by Sergei Eisenstein and Alexander Faintsimmer respectively and both were later re-cast into the orchestral works contained on this CD. This is where the similarity ends. A great sense of fun pervades the music through Kije and is carried off with great aplomb by Abbado and his players. I still can't decide if I like this recording or Reiner's more, but both are equally good, so it's really a win - win situation, whatever your final choice.

Nevsky however is a very different piece, at the time when it was being written both Prokofiev and the film's director Eisenstein were seriously out of favour with Stalin, Khrennikov and the sham critics of the time, a poor reception for this film could well have seen both of them deported to a Siberian Gulag like so many millions of others and this sense of brooding fear and paranoia pervades the work, but they got lucky, Stalin liked the work and their fortunes revived because of it. Looking back to Nevsky's campaign of 1242, the piece also succeeds in capturing the atmosphere of the Soviet Union in 1938 and looks forward to the horrors that were to come in the years of war that followed. Yet despite this, it is a work of tremendous power and beauty, I have yet to hear the famous "Battle on Ice" performed with more power or "The Field of the Dead" sung so movingly. Elena Obratzova rises to the occasion magnificently. Let no one tell you that Jarvi or Previn's recordings are preferable to this one.

Tracks:

Lieutenant Kije - Suite, Op. 60: The Birth Of Kije - S. Prokofiev
Lieutenant Kije - Suite, Op. 60: Romance - S. Prokofiev
Lieutenant Kije - Suite, Op. 60: The Wedding Of Kije - S. Prokofiev
Lieutenant Kije - Suite, Op. 60: Troika - S. Prokofiev
Lieutenant Kije - Suite, Op. 60: The Burial Of Kije - S. Prokofiev
Chout - Suite, Op. 21b: The Buffoon And His Wife - S. Prokofiev
Chout - Suite, Op. 21b: Dance Of The Wives - S. Prokofiev
Chout - Suite, Op. 21b: The Buffoons Kill Their Wives - S. Prokofiev
Chout - Suite, Op. 21b: Dance Of The Buffoons' Daughters - S. Prokofiev
Chout - Suite, Op. 21b: In The Merchant's Bedroom - S. Prokofiev
Choat - Suite, Op. 21b: The Young Wife Becomes A Goat - S. Prokofiev
Chout - Suite, Op. 21b: The Burial Of The Goat - S. Prokofiev
Chout - Suite, Op. 21b: Quarrel Between The Buffoon And The Merchant - S. Prokofiev
Chout - Suite, Op. 21b: Final Dance - S. Prokofiev
Autumnal, Op. 8 - S. Prokofiev
The Prodigal Son - Symphonic Suite, Op. 46b: Adagio - S. Prokofiev
The Prodigal Son - Symphonic Suite, Op. 46b: Allegro fastoso - S. Prokofiev
The Prodigal Son - Symphonic Suite, Op. 46b: Presto - S. Prokofiev
The Prodigal Son - Symphonic Suite, Op. 46b: Andante assai - S. Prokofiev
The Prodigal Son - Symphonic Suite, Op. 46b: Andante pomposo - S. Prokofiev

Tracks:

Scythian Suite, Op. 20: The Adoration Of Veles And Ala - Sergei Prokofiev
Scythian Suite, Op. 20: The Enemy God And Dance Of The Black Spirits - Sergei Prokofiev
Scythian Suite, Op. 20: Night - Sergei Prokofiev
Scythian Suite, Op. 20: The Glorious Departure Of Lolly and the Procession of the Sun - Sergei Prokofiev
The Stone Flower, Op. 118: Prologue - Sergei Prokofiev
The Stone Flower, Op. 118: From Act I - Sergei Prokofiev
The Stone Flower, Op. 118: From Act II - Sergei Prokofiev
The Stone Flower, Op. 118: From Act III - Sergei Prokofiev
The Stone Flower, Op. 118: From Act IV - Sergei Prokofiev

Amazon.com

This is an excellent collection of music largely composed during Prokofiev's Paris period--the first two decades of this century--though The Stone Flower comes from the end of his career, and Kije from the exact middle. The Scythian Suite was originally conceived as a ballet in direct competition with Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring, but when no production seemed imminent, the composer turned it into an orchestral piece. The biting, fiercely brilliant music of the Paris ballets has never been as popular as Prokofiev's later music, but this generous compilation allows you to hear the consistently high level of quality that he maintained over his entire career, and at a bargain price it's most welcome. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

top quality recording.......2004-10-08

All of the pieces on this CD are well played and performed, with a readily melodic quality. The Lieutenant Kije Suite and the Chout Suite especially are packed full of music which is easily listening and of a beauty which stands in stark contrast to the angry, dense and violent music which Prokofiev composed when he was younger. These CDs are a must have for any lover of Prokofiev, or classical music in general.

stunning orchestral suites, recorded from 1965 to 1974.......2002-11-22

This is a gigantic, no-frills package of first-rate Prokofiev. Originally recorded between 1965 and 1974, this Decca Double includes six works, five of them major -- Autumnal, the Scythian Suite, Chout, The Prodigal Son, Lt. Kije, and The Stone Flower. Autumnal was composed in 1910 before Prokofiev left Russia, and was influenced by Scriabin and Debussy. The Scythian Suite, Chout and The Prodigal Son were all Paris works, intended for Diaghilev's ballets. The young Prokofiev was brilliant, urbane, witty, and definitely should not have been in Stravinsky's shadow. Lt. Kije was written as a Soviet film score in the early-mid 1930s, paving the way for Prokofiev's return. Kije contains three memorable themes, which are interwoven in the last movement. Prokofiev's populist touch here at its best! The Stone Flower, a 50-minute work, was one of his last compositions, based on Urals folk songs. The Stone Flower is lushly melodic -- Prokofiev was only getting better at the time of his tragic death in 1953(in the same hour as Stalin!).

Tracks:

Andante Assai-Allegro Eroico - Mstislav Rostropovich
Andante Tranquillo - Mstislav Rostropovich
Moderato Quasi Allegretto - Mstislav Rostropovich
Allegro Risoluto - Mstislav Rostropovich
Andante-Allegro Eroico - Mstislav Rostropovich
Andante Tranquillo - Mstislav Rostropovich
Moderato Quasi Allegretto - Mstislav Rostropovich
Allegro Risoluto - Mstislav Rostropovich

Tracks:

Allegro Moderato - Mstislav Rostropovich
Largo - Mstislav Rostropovich
Vivace - Mstislav Rostropovich
Allegro - Mstislav Rostropovich
Larghetto - Mstislav Rostropovich
Gavotte - Mstislav Rostropovich
Finale - Mstislav Rostropovich

Tracks:

Allegro - Mstislav Rostropovich
Theme Et Variations - Mstislav Rostropovich
Moderato - Mstislav Rostropovich
Andante - Mstislav Rostropovich
Allegro Agitato - Mstislav Rostropovich
Andantino Mosso - Mstislav Rostropovich

Tracks:

Moderato - Mstislav Rostropovich
Allegretto - Mstislav Rostropovich
Andante Espressivo - Mstislav Rostropovich
Vivace - Mstislav Rostropovich
Andante - Mstislav Rostropovich
Allegro Marcato - Mstislav Rostropovich
Adagio - Mstislav Rostropovich
Allegro Giocoso - Mstislav Rostropovich

Tracks:

Andantino - Maxim Vengerov
Scherzo: Vivacissimo - Maxim Vengerov
Moderato - Maxim Vengerov
Andante - Mstislav Rostropovich
Allegro Giusto - Mstislav Rostropovich
Andante Con Moto - Mstislav Rostropovich

Tracks:

Allegro Moderato - Vadim Repin
Andante Assai - Vadim Repin
Allegro, Ben Marcato - Vadim Repin
Vivace - Vladimir Kraniev
Andante - Vladimir Kraniev
Moderato - Vladimir Kraniev
Vivace - Vladimir Kraniev

Tracks:

Allegro Brioso - Vladimir Kraniev
Andante Assai - Vladimir Kraniev
Allegro Scherzando - Vladimir Kraniev
Allegro Con Brio - Vladimir Kraniev
Moderato Ben Accentuato - Vladimir Kraniev
Toccata: Allegro Con Fuoco - Vladimir Kraniev
Larghetto - Vladimir Kraniev
Vivo - Vladimir Kraniev

Tracks:

Andantino-Allegretto - Vladimir Kraniev
Scherzo: Vivace - Vladimir Kraniev
Intermezzo: Allegro Moderato - Vladimir Kraniev
Finale: Allegro Tempestoso - Vladimir Kraniev
Andante-Allegro - Vladimir Kraniev
Theme And Variations: Andantino - Vladimir Kraniev
Allegro, Ma Non Troppo - Vladimir Kraniev

Tracks:

Montagues And Capulets - Armin Jordan
Juliet The Little Girl - Armin Jordan
Friar Laurence - Armin Jordan
Dance - Armin Jordan
Romeo And Juliet Before Parting - Armin Jordan
Dance Of The Maids With Lillies - Armin Jordan
Romeo At Juliet's Grave - Armin Jordan
Folk Dance - Armin Jordan
Scene - Armin Jordan
Madrigal - Armin Jordan
Minuet - Armin Jordan
Masks - Armin Jordan
Romeo And Juliet - Armin Jordan
Death Of Tybalt - Armin Jordan
Romeo At The Fountain - Armin Jordan
Morning Dance - Armin Jordan
Juliet Variations - Armin Jordan
The Nurse - Armin Jordan
Aubade - Armin Jordan
Death Of Juliet - Armin Jordan

Tracks:

Musical March - Patrick Stewart
Andantino - Patrick Stewart
Allegro-Andantino, Come Prima - Patrick Stewart
L'Istesso Tempo-Piu Mosso - Patrick Stewart
Moderato-Allegro, Ma Non Troppo-Moderato - Patrick Stewart
Poco Piu Andante-Andantino, Come Prima-Andante - Patrick Stewart
Andante Molto-Nervoso-Allegro-Meno Mosso - Patrick Stewart
Allegro-Moderato - Patrick Stewart
Andantino, Come Prima-Vivo-Andante Molto - Patrick Stewart
Allegro-Poco Meno Mosso-Moderato - Patrick Stewart
Allegro Moderato-Andante - Patrick Stewart
Moderato-Poco Piu Mosso-Sostenuto-L'Intesso Tempo-Poco Piu Mosso-Andante-Allegro - Patrick Stewart
Musical March - Marius Muller-Westernhagen
Andantino - Marius Muller-Westernhagen
Allegro-Andantino, Come Prima - Marius Muller-Westernhagen
L'Istesso Tempo-Piu Mosso - Marius Muller-Westernhagen
Moderato-Allegro, Ma Non Troppo-Moderato - Marius Muller-Westernhagen
Poco Piu Andante-Andantino, Come Prima-Andante - Marius Muller-Westernhagen
Andante Molto-Nervoso-Allegro-Meno Mosso - Marius Muller-Westernhagen
Allegro-Moderato - Marius Muller-Westernhagen
Andantino, Come Prima-Vivo-Andante Molto - Marius Muller-Westernhagen
Allegro-Poco Meno Mosso-Moderato - Marius Muller-Westernhagen
Allegro Moderato-Andante - Marius Muller-Westernhagen
Moderato-Poco Piu Mosso-Sostenuto-L'Intesso Tempo-Poco Piu Mosso-Andante-Allegro - Marius Muller-Westernhagen

Tracks:

Musical March - Jacques Martin
Andantino - Jacques Martin
Allegro-Andantino, Come Prima - Jacques Martin
L'Istesso Tempo-Piu Mosso - Jacques Martin
Moderato-Allegro, Ma Non Troppo-Moderato - Jacques Martin
Poco Piu Andante-Andantino, Come Prima-Andante - Jacques Martin
Andante Molto-Nervoso-Allegro-Meno Mosso - Jacques Martin
Allegro-Moderato - Jacques Martin
Andantino, Come Prima-Vivo-Andante Molto - Jacques Martin
Allegro-Poco Meno Mosso-Moderato - Jacques Martin
Allegro Moderato-Andante - Jacques Martin
Moderato-Poco Piu Mosso-Sostenuto-L'Intesso Tempo-Poco Piu Mosso-Andante-Allegro - Jacques Martin
Musical March - Miguel Bose
Andantino - Miguel Bose
Allegro-Andantino, Come Prima - Miguel Bose
L'Istesso Tempo-Piu Mosso - Miguel Bose
Moderato-Allegro, Ma Non Troppo-Moderato - Miguel Bose
Poco Piu Andante-Andantino, Come Prima-Andante - Miguel Bose
Andante Molto-Nervoso-Allegro-Meno Mosso - Miguel Bose
Allegro-Moderato - Miguel Bose
Andantino, Come Prima-Vivo-Andante Molto - Miguel Bose
Allegro-Poco Meno Mosso-Moderato - Miguel Bose
Allegro Moderato-Andante - Miguel Bose
Moderato-Poco Piu Mosso-Sostenuto-L'Intesso Tempo-Poco Piu Mosso-Andante-Allegro - Miguel Bose

Tracks:

Russia Under The Mongolian Yoke - Carolyn Watkinson
Song About Alexander Nevsky - Carolyn Watkinson
The Crusaders In Pskov - Carolyn Watkinson
'Arise, Ye Russian People' - Carolyn Watkinson
The Battle On The Ice - Carolyn Watkinson
The Field Of The Dead - Carolyn Watkinson
Alexander's Entry Into Pskov - Carolyn Watkinson
Adoration Of Weles And Ala - Carolyn Watkinson
Tshushbog And The Dance Of The Spirits - Carolyn Watkinson
The Night - Carolyn Watkinson
Departure Of Lolli And Followers To The Sun - Carolyn Watkinson

Tracks:

Adagio - Orchestre Philharmonique De Monte-Carlo
Allegro Fastoso - Orchestre Philharmonique De Monte-Carlo
Presto - Orchestre Philharmonique De Monte-Carlo
Andante Assai - Orchestre Philharmonique De Monte-Carlo
Andante Pomposo - Orchestre Philharmonique De Monte-Carlo
Cinderella Arrives At The Ball (2nd Suite, No.5) - Alain Lombard
Cinderella And The Prince (3rd Suite, No.2) - Alain Lombard
Galop (2nd Suite, No.7) - Alain Lombard
Amoroso (3rd Suite, No.8) - Alain Lombard
Cinderella's Waltz/Midnight (1st Suite, Nos.7 & 8) - Alain Lombard
Entry Of The People - Philharmonia Orchestra
The Officials - Philharmonia Orchestra
The Sailor And The Factory Worker - Philharmonia Orchestra
The Factory - Philharmonia Orchestra

Tracks:

Ridiculous Fellows - Orchestre Philharmonique De Monte-Carlo
Magician Tchelio And Fata Morgana - Orchestre Philharmonique De Monte-Carlo
March - Orchestre Philharmonique De Monte-Carlo
Scherzo - Orchestre Philharmonique De Monte-Carlo
The Prince And The Princess - Orchestre Philharmonique De Monte-Carlo
Flight - Orchestre Philharmonique De Monte-Carlo
The Birth Of Kije - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Romance - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Wedding Of Kije - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Troika - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Burial Of Kije - London Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

Andante Assai - Boris Berezovsky
Allegro Brusco - Boris Berezovsky
Andante - Boris Berezovsky
Allegrissimo - Boris Berezovsky
Moderato - Boris Berezovsky
Scherzo-Presto - Boris Berezovsky
Andante - Boris Berezovsky
Allegro Con Brio - Boris Berezovsky
Andante - Boris Berezovsky
Lento, Ma Non Troppo - Boris Berezovsky
Animato, Ma Non Allegro - Boris Berezovsky
Allegretto Leggero E Scherzando - Boris Berezovsky
Andante Non Troppo - Boris Berezovsky

Tracks:

Andante Cantabile - Vadim Repin
Allegro - Vadim Repin
Commodo (Quasi Allegretto) - Vadim Repin
Allegro Con Brio - Vadim Repin
Moderato - Jean-Pierre Rampal
Scherzo - Jean-Pierre Rampal
Andante - Jean-Pierre Rampal
Allegro Con Brio - Jean-Pierre Rampal
Andante Grave - Arto Noras
Moderato - Arto Noras
Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Arto Noras

Tracks:

Allegro, Ma Non Troppo - Pascal Devoyon
Scherzo - Pascal Devoyon
Andante - Pascal Devoyon
Vivace - Pascal Devoyon
Allegro Inquieto - Alexei Sultanov
Andante Caloroso - Alexei Sultanov
Precipitato - Alexei Sultanov
Andante Dolce - Steven De Groote
Andante Sognando - Steven De Groote
Vivace - Steven De Groote

Tracks:

Morning - Gyorgy Sebok
Promenade - Gyorgy Sebok
A Little Story - Gyorgy Sebok
Tarantella - Gyorgy Sebok
Regret - Gyorgy Sebok
Waltz - Gyorgy Sebok
March Of The Grasshoppers - Gyorgy Sebok
The Rain And The Rainbow - Gyorgy Sebok
Playing Tag - Gyorgy Sebok
March - Gyorgy Sebok
Evening - Gyorgy Sebok
The Moon Strolls In The Meadow - Gyorgy Sebok
No.7 Prelude - Cyprien Katsaris
National Dance (Allegro Giocoso) - Steven De Groote
Scene (Allegretto) - Steven De Groote
Menuet (Assai Moderato) - Steven De Groote
Juliet (Vivace) - Steven De Groote
Masks (Andante Maricale) - Steven De Groote
The Montagues And Capulets (Allegro Pesante) - Steven De Groote
Friar Laurence (Andante Espressivo) - Steven De Groote
Mercutio - Steven De Groote
Dance Of The Young Girls (Andante Con Eleganza) - Steven De Groote
Romeo And Juliet Before Separation (Lento) - Steven De Groote
Toccata For Piano - Cyprien Katsaris

Tracks:

Moderato - Berlin Soloists
Andante Energico - Berlin Soloists
Allegro Sostenuto, Ma Con Brio - Berlin Soloists
Adagio Pesante - Berlin Soloists
Allegro Precipitato, Ma Non Troppo Presto - Berlin Soloists
Andantino - Berlin Soloists
Overture On Hebrew Themes - Berlin Soloists
Overture On Hebrew Themes - Orchestre Philharmonique De Monte-Carlo
No.2 Andantino - Nathan Milstein
No.3 Andante Assai - Nathan Milstein

Tracks:

Ouverture - Lajos Miller
'Ciel Clair Et Printannier' - Lajos Miller
'Je Ne Veux Pas Dormir, Je Ne Peux Pas Dormir' - Lajos Miller
'Peu Leur Importe Que J'Existe' - Lajos Miller
Un Bal Chez Un vieux Gentilhomme - Lajos Miller
Scene Et Arrivee De L'Empereur - Lajos Miller
'Que Les Astres Poursuivent Leur Ronde' - Lajos Miller
'Par Un Soir De Printemps' - Lajos Miller
Un Salon Dans L'Hotel Particulier Du Prince Bolkonski - Lajos Miller
Le Comte Rostov, Natasha, La Princesse Marie - Lajos Miller
'Ah, Mademoiselle La Comtesse' - Lajos Miller
'De Quel Droit Me Refusent-Ils?' - Lajos Miller

Tracks:

'Enfin Vous Etes Venue Chez Moi' - Lajos Miller
'Comme Elle Est Belle' - Lajos Miller
'Mon Sort Est Entre Vos Mains' - Lajos Miller
'Je La Retrouverai' - Lajos Miller
Entree Du Cocher Balaga - Lajos Miller
'Joseph, De Loutre!' - Lajos Miller
Un Salon De La Maison De Madame Akhrossimova - Lajos Miller
'C'est Du Propre!' - Lajos Miller
'Bezoukhov... Fais Entrer' - Lajos Miller
'J'ai Une Confiance Aveugle En Vous' - Lajos Miller
Le Cabinet De Pierre Bezouhkov - Lajos Miller
'J'ai A Vous Parler' - Lajos Miller

Tracks:

Epigraphe - Lajos Miller
Borodino Avant La Bataille - Lajos Miller
'Allons-y Les Enfants' - Lajos Miller
'Vous Etes Le Prince Bolkonski' - Lajos Miller
Un Groupe De Paysans - Lajos Miller
'Moscou!' - Lajos Miller
'Denissov, Son Premier Fiance!' - Lajos Miller
Apparition De Pierre, En Frac Vert Et Chapeau Blanc - Lajos Miller
'Dans L'Espace' - Lajos Miller
Choeur Des Soldats, Choeur Des Partisans - Lajos Miller
'Travailler Sans Relache' - Lajos Miller
'Peuple Incomparable, Peuple Merveilleux' - Lajos Miller
Des Grenadiers Defilent Au Loin. Passage Du Regiment Izmailovski - Lajos Miller
Passage Au Loin Du Regement Du Cosaques - Lajos Miller
'Dommage, Mais Tu N'as Pas Tort'/'Pauvre Vieux'/'Tout Notre Peuple S'Est Leve' - Lajos Miller
'Le Vin Est Tire' - Lajos Miller
'Freres, Courons Au Combat' - Lajos Miller
Conseil De Guerre Dans Une Isba A Fili - Lajos Miller
'L'Antique Et Sainte Capitale' - Lajos Miller
'Si Vous Decidez De Vous Battre' - Lajos Miller
'L'Ennemi Nous Apporte La Mort' - Lajos Miller
'Comment Est Arrivee Cette Chose Terrible?' - Lajos Miller
Des Soldats Passent Sur La Route - Lajos Miller

Tracks:

Une Rue De Moscou, Occupee Par Les Francais - Lajos Miller
'La Fillette Chante' - Lajos Miller
'Viens Donc, Viens Ma Belle Amie' - Lajos Miller
Un Groupe De Moscovites, Une Femme Ouvrier, Une Boutiquiere, Douniacha, Mavra Kouzminicha, Matveiev - Lajos Miller
Passage Des Soldats Maraudeurs - Lajos Miller
Foule De Moscovites - Lajos Miller
'C'est L'Heure De Mourir Ou De Triompher' - Lajos Miller
'Vous En Avez Des Tetes' - Lajos Miller
Les Francais Sortent. Accourt Une Foule De Moscovites - Lajos Miller
Entre Du Marechal Davoust. Un Detachement Francais Amene Un Groupe De Prisonniers Parmi Lesquels Platon Karataiev - Lajos Miller
'Voyez, Voyez Ces Flammes!' - Lajos Miller
'Trois Fois Ils M'Ont Tue' - Lajos Miller
Arrivee Des Comediens Et Comediennes - Lajos Miller
'Quel Affreux Spectacle' - Lajos Miller
'Par Une Sombre Nuit Sans Lune' - Lajos Miller
Une Isba. Il Fait Nuit. Le Prince Andre Grievement Blesse - Lajos Miller
'Tout S'Allonge, S'Etire' - Lajos Miller
'Qu'est-ce La?' - Lajos Miller
'Pourquoi Trop?' - Lajos Miller
Une Route De Smolensk Sous Une Tempete De Neige. Les Troupes Francaises Battent En Retraite. Entree De Rampal Et Bonnet - Lajos Miller
Les Prisonniers. Pierre Et Platon Karataiev - Lajos Miller
'Freres, Vous Nous Avez Sauves' - Lajos Miller
Denissov, Pierre - Lajos Miller
'Un Jouir Notre Fedor Voulut Faire Prisonnier Un Francais Tout Vif' - Lajos Miller
'Le Serenissime' - Lajos Miller
'Notre Russie Est Sauvee' - Lajos Miller

Tracks:

March - Sergei Prokofiev
Intermezzo - Sergei Prokofiev
March - Sergei Prokofiev
Tales Of Old Grandmother - Sergei Prokofiev
Toccata - Sergei Prokofiev
Prelude, Op.23 No.5 In G Minor - Sergei Prokofiev
Prelude, Op.45 No.3/Winged Poem Op.51 No.3 - Sergei Prokofiev
Bydlo; Ballet Des Pousins Dans Leur Coques - Sergei Prokofiev
Promenade, The Old Castle - Sergei Prokofiev
Fantasia (Improvisation) On Themes From The Symphonic Suite 'Sheherezade' - Sergei Prokofiev
Song Of Praise - Sergei Prokofiev
Canon Founders - Sergei Prokofiev
Serge Prokofiev American Radio Interview - Sergei Prokofiev
Serge Prokofiev Russian Interview - Sergei Prokofiev

Customer Reviews:

An excellent collection of Prokofiev's major works.......2007-06-25

I was introduced to the music of Prokofiev through his symphonies, and was immediately drawn in by the beauty of his music. So I bought this box set without listening to any other of his works first.

I was not disappointed in any way. Here, collected together very nicely, are a large portion of Prokofiev's works. Many of the performances here are reissues of past recordings, mostly from the '80s and early '90s. There are many imminent performers here, such as Mstislav Rostropovich (Prokofiev was a good friend and teacher of Rostropovich, and dedicated his Cello concerto to him after hearing him play), Seiji Ozawa, Jean-Pierre Rampal, and many other excellent musicians and orchestras. Rest assured that these are some of the best performances available of the works included.

The recording quality is unquestionable. Most of the performances are digital, clean, and rich (no distorted, thin, distant, or weak recordings here!). The only disc which contains poor recordings is the Archive Recordings disc, which is understandable as the recordings are very old (including Prokofiev playing or singing some of his own works and some works by other composers).

As for range of compositions included, we have here a magnificent collection of Prokofiev's most important music (and some of his rarer pieces as well): his entire symphonies and concertos, a selection of his instrumental music (including violin, flute, cello, and piano sonatas), many of his stage works including Romeo & Juliet, Alexander Nevsky, the Prodigal Son, The Steel Step, The Love for Three Oranges, Lieutenant Kije, etc., and an entire recording of his War and Peace opera.

One inclusion that I find somewhat baffling is that of 4 different versions of Peter and the Wolf: English, German, Spanish, and French. I would have been content with just the English, but I suppose listeners from other countries can benefit from the other languages.

I really can think of no better way to start a collection of Prokofiev's music. Here you can get his major works, and for a decent price (used copies can be a very good deal). If you are interested in the music of Prokofiev, or in 20th century classical music, this set is a great way to get a thorough introduction to Prokofiev. Highly recommended!

A great gift for classical collectors.......2004-05-13

I think it's needless to say how famous are S. Prokofiev and his works. I just want to give some details about this collectible gem.

This boxset has 5 parts:

-Sonatas box: Instrumental and chamber music. 5 CDs including sonatas for violin(s), sonatas for piano, piano and cello, piano and flute. Music for childen, and a quintet (G minor)
-Concertos box: 4 CDs. Including concertos for violin(no1 and 2), for piano, symphony-concerto for cello.
-Symphonies box: 4 CDs from sym No1 to sym no7. no4: Op.47 and Op.112
-Stage works and Films scores: 6 CDs. Romeo and Juliet, Peter and the wolf, Alexander Nevsky, Scythian Suite, The Prodigal Son, Cinderella, The love for three oranges...
-War and Peace opera: 4CDs
-Bonus: Role music. Including piano pieces.

There is no question about the quality:
-Sound: 5 stars
-Performers technique: 5 stars
-Boxes and color: 5 stars
-Price: $7/CD is acceptable.

Finally, I would like to use Sviatoslav Prokofiev's words: "This Anniversary boxset is a most impressive testimony to the interest my father's music arouse among artists, orchestras and audiences alike."

Average customer rating:

Prokofiev: Favourite Orchestral Suites

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Prokofiev: The Five Piano Concertos; Overture on Hebrew Themes
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet

ASIN: B000004197
Release Date: 1994-08-16

Tracks:

The Love For Three Oranges - Symphonic Suite, Op. 33 bis: Les ridicules
The Love For Three Oranges - Symphonic Suite, Op. 33 bis: Le magicien Tchelio et Fata Morgana jouent aux cartes
The Love For Three Oranges - Symphonic Suite, Op. 33 bis: Marche
The Love For Three Oranges - Symphonic Suite, Op. 33 bis: Scherzo
The Love For Three Oranges - Symphonic Suite, Op. 33 bis: Le prince et la princesse
The Love For Three Oranges - Symphonic Suite, Op. 33 bis: La fuite
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64: Montagues And Capulets
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64: The Girl Juliet
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64: Masks
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64: Minuet
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64: Father Lawrence
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64: Dance
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64: Dance Of The Maids
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64: A Scene
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64: Tybalt's Death
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64: Romeo And Juliet Before Parting
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64: Romeo At Juliet's Tomb
Symphony No. 1 In D, Op. 25 'The Classical Symphony': Allegro
Symphony No. 1 In D, Op. 25 'The Classical Symphony': Larghetto
Symphony No. 1 In D, Op. 25 'The Classical Symphony': Gavotta - Non troppo allegro
Symphony No. 1 In D, Op. 25 'The Classical Symphony': Finale - Vivace

Tracks:

Lieutenant Kije - Symphonic Suite, Op. 60: Naissance de Kije
Lieutenant Kije - Symphonic Suite, Op. 60: Romance
Lieutenant Kije - Symphonic Suite, Op. 60: Noces de Kije
Lieutenant Kije - Symphonic Suite, Op. 60: Troika
Lieutenant Kije - Symphonic Suite, Op. 60: Enterrement de Kije
Peter And The Wolf, Op. 67: Peter And The Wolf, Op. 67 - A Musical Tale For Children
Ala And Lolly - Scythian Suite, Op. 20: L'adoration de Veles et d'Ala
Ala And Lolly - Scythian Suite, Op. 20: Le dieu ennemi et la danse des esprits noirs
Ala And Lolly - Scythian Suite, Op. 20: La nuit
Ala And Lolly - Scythian Suite, Op. 20: Le depart glorieux de Lolly et le cortege du soleil

Average customer rating:

Good Old Scherchen!
Spirited and raucous

Scythian / Lieutenant Kije / Gayaneh
Prokofiev , Kachaturian , Vsoo , Vso , and Scherchen
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Symphonies 36,37 & 38

ASIN: B000063DSB
Release Date: 2002-05-14

Amazon.com

Scherchen had few peers as a conductor of modern works and of Russian music. Here, the two are brought together in a freshly scrubbed reissue of some gems from the old Westminster LP catalogue. The Scythian Suite is a colorful ballet score full of barbaric rhythms and garish colors modeled on Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. Scherchen gives it a tremendous performance. The piece opens with an orchestral splash that grabs you by the throat and then settles into an ominously sinuous passage that shows Scherchen's mastery of atmosphere. The Lt. Kije Suite is as good, full of sly wit and inventive orchestration. Khachaturian's Gayaneh ballet opens with the famous Sabre Dance, and each of the six movements performed here features central Asian folk-based melodies of enormous appeal, along with irresistible colorful orchestrations. Gayaneh's in vivid stereo, the Prokofiev works in monophonic sound, but they're no less immediate or enjoyable, vindicating Westminster's 1950s reputation as an audiophile label. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Good Old Scherchen!.......2004-06-09

This excellent CD transfer finally allows me to retire some very old and worn out LPs that have given me immense satisfaction over the years. I can't think of any other conductor who managed to achieve excellence over such a wide range of repertoire - Scherchen left so many entertaining recordings of Bach, Beethoven, Haydn, Mahler, Stravinsky, and, of course, Prokofiev.

Scherchen's droll interpretation of "Lt. Kije" is a delight. For me, it is one of the four most engaging recordings on disc, along with the Roger Desormiere (Capitol LP - REALLY needs a good CD reissue), Nikolai Anosov (VERY Russian, on Arlecchino), and Fritz Reiner (BMG - with his stunning Stravinsky "Fairy's Kiss" and "Mysterious Mountain" by Alan Hovhaness). I definitely prefer Scherchen's quirkiness to the rather straight-laced Reiner - but the latter's ensemble precision is truly in a league of its own.

Scherchen was a dour-looking musician, but he sure knew how to let his hair down and have fun with cornball music like Gayane. Well-played, too! Certainly one to keep, along with the composer's own rendition, the Svetlanov, or the exuberant Silvestri (the latter in a wonderful 10-CD EMI set devoted to that conductor).

The Scythian Suite is played with all the violence inherent in the music - an outstanding account. My other favorite here is the Markevitch/French Radio, coupled with excellent versions of "Pas d'Acier" and "Love for Three Oranges" on French EMI.

Chalk this one up as a winner on all fronts!

Spirited and raucous.......2003-09-13

Re-discovering this exciting recording of the Prokofiev "Scythian Suite" was like being reunited with an old friend. The original recording was one of the first 20th-century works I ever heard, and I was immediately drawn to its rambunctious energy.

Although I love Abbado's glittering version with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and just bought Gergiev's recent one with the Kirov, this Scherchen gem carries a certain creaky magic that...well...you either like or you don't. The tense, clattery opening bars hit you over the head immediately, with the orchestra sounding just a tad out of control. But frankly, the less-than-precise execution here suits the primitive qualities of the music, despite the obvious appeal of other versions with better-sounding orchestras.

Customer Reviews:

An eye-opening Prokofiev survey (try to buy it used).......2006-03-26

I can't see paying full price for a two-CD compensdium, even one as lavish as this package, when all the itmes are samples for promoting Universal's catalog (expect a good representation by Ashkenazy, Rostropovich, Previn, and Gergiev). But the selection is good enough and often rare eough to warrant a buy if the price is low.

As I listened straight through, I was surprised at how unacquainted I actually was with the wide extent of Prokofiev's style. From the very early "Dreams," which could be mistaken for Glazunov through the unfamiliar operas (Betrothal in a Monastery Garden, Semyon Kotko) to the final, sadly diminished works like the Seventh Sym. and the cello concerto, the composer covered every major Russian style of the century. I didn't find any new masterful performances--not that a short excerpt is a good enough trial--but everything here is well performced. Any listener should find something unexpected and intriguing in this two-and-a-half-hour traversal.

Average customer rating:

Prokofiev: 50th Anniversary (1891-1953)

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

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4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000089HCP
Release Date: 2003-03-25

Tracks:

Alexander Nevsky: Cantata, Op. 78 - IV. Arise, Ye Russian People
Symphony No. 2, Op. 40 - II. Theme And Variations: Variation 2
Peter And The Wolf, Op. 67 - Early One Morning Peter Opened The Gate
Piano Concerto No. 3, Op. 26 - II. Theme And Variations: Variation V - Tema. L'istesso Tempo
Symphony No. 3 'The Fiery Angel', Op. 44 - IV. Andante Mosso - Allegro Agitato (Excerpt)
Symphony No. 1 'Classical', Op. 25 - II. Larghetto
Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 19 - II. Scherzo: Vivacissimo
Visions Fugitives, Op. 22 - XVI. Dolente
Scythian Suite, Op. 20 - II. The Enemy God And The Dance Of The Spirits Of Darkness
Five Poems Of Konstantin Balmont, Op. 36 - IV. Remember Me
Chout (The Buffoon): Suite, Op. 21a - VIII. In The Merchant's Bedroom
The Love For Three Oranges: Suite, Op. 33a - III. March
War And Peace, Op. 91 - Scene 1: Prince Andrei's Aria
Lieutenant Kije: Suite, Op. 60 - III. The Wedding Of Kije
Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 16 - II. Scherzo: Vivace
Sonata For Two Violins, Op. 56 - I. Andante Catabile
Le Pas D'Acier: Suite, Op. 41a - IV. The Factory
Ivan The Terrible: Concert Scenorio - X. The Song Of The Beaver (Ephrosynia's Lullaby)
The Prodigal Son. Op. 46 - III. The Siren
Piano Sonata No. 4, Op. 29 - III. Allegro Con Brio, Ma Non Leggiere
Romeo And Juliet: Suite No. 3, Op. 101 - III. Juliet
War And Peace, Op. 91 - Choral Epitaph

Average customer rating:

Spirited recordings of Russian music by an American conductor and orchestra in their prime

Russian Orchestral Pieces

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000027NF
Release Date: 1993-06-22

Tracks:

Ruslan And Lyudmila: Ov: Presto-Piu Mosso
In The Steppes Of Central Asia
The Red Poppy: Russian Sailor's Dance: Allegro
Caucasian Sketches, Op.10: II. In The Village. Larghetto-Allegretto Grazioso-Larghetto
Caucasian Sketches, Op.10: IV. Procession Of The Sardar. Allegro Moderato-Tempo Marciale-Poco....
Khovanshchina: Intro, Act I: Dawn Over The River Moscow. Andante Tranquillo
Scythian Ste, Op.20: I. The Adoration Of Veless And Ala. Allegro Feroce-Poco Meno Mosso-Poco...
Scythian Ste, Op.20: II. The Enemy God And The Dance Of The Spirits And Darkness. Allegro...
Scythian Ste, Op.20: III. Night. Andantino-Poco Piu Mosso
Scythian Ste, Op.20: IV. The Glorious Departure Of Lolly And The Sun's Procession. Tempestoso...
The Love For Three Oranges-Symphonic Ste, Op.33a: III. March. Tempo Di Marcia
Lieutenant Kije-Symphonic Ste, Op.60: III. Kije's Wedding. Allegro Fastoso
Lieutenant Kije-Symphonic Ste, Op.60: IV. Troika. Moderato-Allegro Con Brio
The Age Of Gold-Ste, Op.22a: III. Polka. Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

Spirited recordings of Russian music by an American conductor and orchestra in their prime.......2005-09-15

These recordings of works by Glinka, Borodin, Ippolitov-Ivanov, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, and Rimsky-Korsakov were made by Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) with the New York Philharmonic during the 1960s when conductor and orchestra were in their prime. I bought this disc in 1999 when it was still readily available from US suppliers, and am not sorry that I did. Bernstein's energy and commitment are abundant in spades in the Glinka "Russlan and Ludmilla" Overture. Some may not agree, but Bernstein conducts all these works with more energy and commitment than many conductors. The Ippolitov-Ivanov sounds terrific, and Bernstein includes one of the lesser known movements of the "Caucasian Sketches" entitled "In the Village" in addition to the famous "Procession of the Sardar." Borodin's "In the Steppes of Central Asia" is also available as a discmate to Borodin's Symphonies 1-3 with Andrew Davis/Toronto Symphony (Sony), and benefits from warm sonics and a relaxed pace. Bernstein's "Scythian Suite" an early Prokofiev work dating from 1916, has more raw power and visceral energy than some other recordings I've heard. II of this piece is especially savage and violent in Bernstein's hands: the New York brass make a real feast of it! (Prokofiev's "Scythian Suite" has a similar motif and rhythmic sense as Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" dating from just 3 years earlier.)

This is a fine collection of Russian music, and whether you pay $40 for it depends on how well you like these works, your opinion of Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic in the 1960s,and your economic status. I would wait and see if these recordings might be released in a different compilation, with the recent Sony/BMG merger. Sony just released a batch of 10 reissues, including Bernstein's Ives Symphony 2 + shorter pieces; and Shostakovich Symphony 5 + Chamber Symphony. Perhaps Bernstein's recordings of shorter Russian Orchestral works will be in the near future...

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Absolution [Import]

Classical Relaxation With Chopin

Blur [Import]

Way Out West [Original recording remastered]

Big One

Gift of Love [Import]

Cocktail Hour: Fred Astaire

Claude Bolling: Concerto for Classic Guitar and Jazz Piano

Cliches/Loose Shoes & Tight Pussy [Import]

Crow Country

From Spirituals to Swing [Import]

De Sinaloa Para El Mundo, Vol. 2

Coleccion de Oro

Throwed Yung Playa

Music From Zalman King's Red Shoe Diaries (1992 Television Movie)