Prokofiev Concerto's

[Tyson]

OK, who do you like and who do you hate in the Prokofiev PC's?

I just picked up the new Argerich renditions of PC 1 and 3 and I'm pretty enthralled with it - it shows her with a lighter touch than usual, but will with the passion and caprice we've come to expect.

For the Violin Concerto's, I'm in a toss-up between Oistrakh and Vengerov. I love Oistrakh's huge sound and romantic readings, but I'm equally taken with Vengerov's leaner, cut to the bone, deep pain/melancholy mixed with biting sarcasm aproach.

 

[DarkAngel]

For Prokefiev I have:
Large collection of Romeo/Juliet full ballet and highlight CDs (also Cinderella)
Jarvi/Chandos complete symphonies
Linn/Salonen/Sony violin concerto
Misc orchestral piece collection CDs (three oranges, lt kije etc)
Several Peter & Wolf CDs

For piano concertos 1-5 like most people got the cheap Askenazy/London set initially, later supplemented with Paik/Naxos set. This is one case where super budget naxos set will compete with any major label version, although I admit to not sampling large number of contenders.

I am familiar with Argerich's Prokefiev 3 since this is coupling on her Tchaikovsky 1 for DG with husband Chas Dutoit.

 

[jamont]

For the violin concertos, in approximate order of preference:

Heifetz/Munch (No. 2 only)
Vengerov/Rostropovich
Stern/Ormandy
Shaham/Previn

and for the piano concertos:

Ashkenazy/Previn
Beroff/Mazur

Although I haven't heard it recently, I remain fond of Graffman/Szell for 1 and 3.

 

[Bunnyears]

Most of my Prokofiev is on vinyl, but I have the Heifetz version on RCA red seal. In my recording he is (was) playing with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Munch conducting. It also includes the Sibelius v. concerto (Heifetz and Chicago SO and Walter Hendl) and Glazunov v.con., (Heifetz with RCA Victor SO and Walter Hendl). I hardly play it anymore, even the cardboard cover is looking sad, and the wrapper is also deteriorating. I know that almost all of the red seal recordings are being re-released on cd, but this is one that I haven't gotten to yet.

 

[DarkAngel]

Besides the popular Romeo/Juliet and Cinderella ballets Prokefiev has several less popular works more modern in style that Jarvi has recorded for Chandos. These are a real treat and with great sound, if you like Stravinsky ballets be sure and check these little gems out.

Stone Flower, etc:

Buffon (Chout), Steel Dance, etc:

Gambler, etc:

 

[jamont]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bunnyears Most of my Prokofiev is on vinyl, but I have the Heifetz version on RCA red seal. In my recording he is (was) playing with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Munch conducting.

And so he was in mine too, thanks for the correction!

 

[Bunnyears]

I actually went out to tower to pick it up on cd, and got really bitten because they have it in sacd-hybrid, so ofcourse I had to have that one. I don't want to say how much it was, and everything is on sale (minimal) but add the tax, etc. and you end up with one too expensive cd. I've got to stop going to that store! and they told me that there are rare cds at the Juilliard bookstore down the street.

 

[jamont]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bunnyears I actually went out to tower to pick it up on cd, and got really bitten because they have it in sacd-hybrid, so ofcourse I had to have that one. I don't want to say how much it was, and everything is on sale (minimal) but add the tax, etc. and you end up with one too expensive cd. I've got to stop going to that store! and they told me that there are rare cds at the Juilliard bookstore down the street.

I understand, it's nice to shop at a good store. I have fond memories of shopping at Korvettes on 5th Ave and Sam Goody's on 49th St, and I still enjoy going to Tower, but you pay more usually than ordering online.

Enjoy the Heifetz recording on CD, it's a great one!

 

[Tyson]

Picked up the complete symphony sets by Jarvi and Weller today (4 cd's each). I'm not all that familiar with Prokofiev's symphonies, looking forward to making their acquaintance.

 

[JohnFerrier]

This version of Prokofiev’s "Peter and the Wolf" caught my eye while over at Van den Hul's website. It's a "PentaTone Classics recording".

Music by the Russian National Orchestra. Narration/introduction by Sophia Loren, Bill Clinton, and Mikhail Gorbachev.

 

[DarkAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyson Picked up the complete symphony sets by Jarvi and Weller today (4 cd's each). I'm not all that familiar with Prokofiev's symphonies, looking forward to making their acquaintance.

I have never seen a Walter Weller set, what label....... Chandos, EMI Classics for Pleasure?
Where did you find this?

Anyone wonder why RCA is using those funky CD jewel cases with round corners for SACD hybrid releases? (shown above with Peter/Wolf)
I don't like them myself and they must cost more than generic jewel case

 

[DarkAngel]

Tyson
Have you noticed everytime you start a new classical thread it ends up removing green stuff from your wallet........he he.

 

[Bunnyears]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkAngel Anyone wonder why RCA is using those funky CD jewel cases with round corners for SACD hybrid releases? (shown above with Peter/Wolf) I don't like them myself and they must cost more than generic jewel case

In order to justify the higher price, they are giving a different case?

 

[Tyson]

DA,
Yeah, I've noticed that the music forum in general has been harder on my wallet than any of the other forums at head-fi.

Heres the link to the Weller set:

Prokofiev Symphonies - conducted by Weller

 

[iDesign]

I have most of the recordings discussed in this thread but find the Oistrakh interpretations/ readings to be among the best Prokofiev Violin Concertos. I am very sensitive to sound recordings and find the quality of the EMI Oistrakh recording highly problematic -- though I feel it is among the best Prokofiev Concerto works. I own the Walter Weller symphony disc set and will provide my thoughts after reviweing it.