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Track Listings
| 1. Dreams, Op. 6 (Symphonic Tableau) |
| 2. Autumnal Sketch, Op. 8 |
| 3. Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 'Classical': Allegro |
| 4. Symphony No. 1 In D Major, Op. 25 'Classical': Larghetto |
| 5. Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 'Classical': Gavotte: Non troppo allegro |
| 6. Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 'Classical': Finale: Molto vivace |
| 7. Symphony No. 2 In D Minor, Op. 40: Allegro ben articolato |
| 8. Symphony No. 2 In D Minor, Op. 40: Thema |
| 9. Symphony No. 2 In D Minor, Op. 40: Variation I |
| 10. Symphony No. 2 In D Minor, Op. 40: Variation II |
| 11. Symphony No. 2 In D Minor, Op. 40: Variation III |
| 12. Symphony No. 2 In D Minor, Op. 40: Variation IV |
| 13. Sympnony No. 2 In D Minor, Op. 40: Variation V |
| 14. Symphony No. 2 In D Minor, Op. 40: Variation VI |
| 15. Symphony No. 2 In D Minor, Op. 40: Thema |
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Prokofiev's first symphony (The 'Classical') is understandably popular and well - loved.The second symphony is a very different work.It is densely scored,highly dissonant and bristles with difficulties.Nevertheless,its very relentlessness to me is positively attractive and fascinating.The value of this disc to a Prokofiev fan is indisputable - and the price,to say the least,competitive!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I have heard Gergiev, Jarvi, Weller, and Kitajenko as well as this. Of the group there is no question that Kuchar is the best in terms of overall performance. He brings out the visceral excitement inherent in Prokofiev's score, without losing the juggernaut aspects or losing sight of the overall architecture of this machine like piece. The Ukrainian orchestra plays superbly throughout.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I've given four stars here because these would not be my first choice versions of the two symphonies. Having said that, the performances are full bodied and idiomatic. What the album does provide, in addition, is a chart of the composer's growth from the youthful romantic and chromatic brooding of "Dreams" and "Autumnal" to the spritely "Classical" Symphony and then the explosive force of the Second Symphony.
If anything, the "Classical" sounds a little weightier here than you might expect - a perfectly valid approach. This extra volume in sound provides at least some tenuous tie to the following symphony.
The Second gets the most full blooded of performances. For those unfamiliar with it, Prokofiev professed the wish for the work to combine "iron and steel". In truth, he copied a Beethoven piano sonata for the formal layout of opening allegro followed a by a theme and variations movement. I suspect the dissonance and references to industry had as much to do with pandering to post "Sacre" French musical tastes. As it turned out, neither the audience nor Prokofiev liked it. Prokofiev must have thought something of it though, because he was working on a revised version at his death.
The symphony is not easy for the listener as Prokofiev piles on the dissonant and sometimes non functional counterpoint to breaking point. The rather reverberant sound doesn't help if you want to pick up the detail. I prefer Walter Weller's recording because the detail certainly isn't lost there, the playing is excellent and this massively messy structure starts making some sense. When I hear Weller's version it makes me think that Prokofiev would have had much less tidying up to do in his revised version. If, however, it's a driven and head banging version that you want, this Ukraine Symphony Orchestra version must take some beating.
The two early works lose nothing in these performances that capture their wistfulness and brooding perfectly. So, overall, maybe not perfect, but still a great bargain that I warmly recommend it.
If anything, the "Classical" sounds a little weightier here than you might expect - a perfectly valid approach. This extra volume in sound provides at least some tenuous tie to the following symphony.
The Second gets the most full blooded of performances. For those unfamiliar with it, Prokofiev professed the wish for the work to combine "iron and steel". In truth, he copied a Beethoven piano sonata for the formal layout of opening allegro followed a by a theme and variations movement. I suspect the dissonance and references to industry had as much to do with pandering to post "Sacre" French musical tastes. As it turned out, neither the audience nor Prokofiev liked it. Prokofiev must have thought something of it though, because he was working on a revised version at his death.
The symphony is not easy for the listener as Prokofiev piles on the dissonant and sometimes non functional counterpoint to breaking point. The rather reverberant sound doesn't help if you want to pick up the detail. I prefer Walter Weller's recording because the detail certainly isn't lost there, the playing is excellent and this massively messy structure starts making some sense. When I hear Weller's version it makes me think that Prokofiev would have had much less tidying up to do in his revised version. If, however, it's a driven and head banging version that you want, this Ukraine Symphony Orchestra version must take some beating.
The two early works lose nothing in these performances that capture their wistfulness and brooding perfectly. So, overall, maybe not perfect, but still a great bargain that I warmly recommend it.
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