Prokofiev: Symphonies No.1/"Classical"/No.5

1. Symphony No. 1 in D major ("Classical"), Op. 25
Composed by Sergey Prokofiev
Performed by Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Yuri Temirkanov

2. Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, Op. 100
Composed by Sergey Prokofiev
Performed by Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Yuri Temirkanov

Tracks:

Also Sprach Zarathustra (Sunrise) - R. Strauss
Mars (The Planets) - Holst
Overture 1812 - Tchaikovsky
Entry Of The Gladiadtors - Fucik
Sabre Dance - Khachaturian
Procession Of The Sardar - Ippolitov Ivanov
Night On Bald Mountain - Mussorgsky
Anvil Chor (II Trovatore) - Verdi
The Thunderer March - Sousa
Thunder & Lightening Polka - J. Strauss
Prelude To Act III : Lohengrin - Wagner
The Ride Of The Valkryies - Wagner
Montagues & Capulets (Romeo & Juliet Ballet Suite) - Prokofiev
The Storm: Symphony No. 6 In F Major, 'Pastorale' - Beethoven
Rondeau - Edward Carroll
Overture: Fireworks Music - Handel
March To The Scaffold: Symphonie Fantastique - Berlioz
LesToreadors - Bizet
William Tell Overture: Finale - Rossini
Revolutionary Study - Abbey Simon
Fanfare For The Common Man - Copland
Sym No. 1 'Titan' IV Sturmisch Bewegt (Excerpt) - Mahler
Augurs Of Spring From Rite Of Spring - Stravinsky
Russian Dance From Petrouchka - Stravinsky
The Great Gate At Kiev From Pictures At An Exhibition - Mussorgsky

Customer Reviews:

Good selection.......2005-10-02

I bought this CD to use in my classroom as listening examples. I'm not just a super big fan of some of the performances, but they are all good and for the price you can't beat it. That's why I gave it 5 stars. It's worth more than it costs by far.

thunderous applause.......2005-08-31

This is a who's-who of great pieces of music you have heard all of your life, and never knew the names and stories! I listened to it over and over in the car and had my own concert! A friend borrowed it to add music to his Home Movies and it was perfect!

Good Music at a Great Price.......2004-03-06

I bought this CD mostly for "Entry of the Gladiators," which everyone will recognize as classic circus music. The performance on this CD (by Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops) is the best available version of Entry of the Gladiators. The rest of the CD offers mostly excerpts of classical music.

You will like this!.......2004-02-19

I had purchased an abundance of the "Favorites" collection and some were better than others.

This CD is at the top of them all. They may be short, but not that short. Wondrous music.

I can almost guarantee that you will like this music.
Well worth the price!

Good for the novice.......2002-06-08

The recordings on this disc are pretty good. However, the editors selected only the *loud* parts, as indicated by the title. I was pretty disappointed to find that the pieces are, in many cases, edited to reflect the most famous themes, etc, instead of including the whole work. In general, I would recommend this to the classical music novice, or someone who wants to expand their knowledge of classical music in general. Those who already are familiar with these pieces will probably feel gypped.

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Average customer rating:

CD set is misnamed
Do not Buy
Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music
Seek better versions
It Is What It Is

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits
25 Classical Favorites
25 Romantic Classics
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe

ASIN: B000003QWH
Release Date: 1994-06-09

Tracks:

Canon In D
'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 3: Allegro
The Four Seasons - The Winter: Largo And Allegro
Fanfare ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme)
Camerata Romana: Air For The 'G' String
'Eine kleine Nachtmusik': Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 21 ('Elvira Madigan' Theme): Andante
Introduction To Symphony No. 5
'William Tell' Overture: Finale
'Aida': Triumphal March
On The Beautiful, Blue Danube Waltz
'The Nutcracker': Waltz Of The Flowers
'1812' Overture: Finale

Tracks:

Sabre Dance
'Light Cavalry' Overture: Finale
Carmen: The Toreadors
' Midsummer Night's Dream': Wedding March
Radetzky March
Symphony No. 9, 'Choral': Finale
'Prince Igor': Polovstian Dance No. 17
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Peer Gynt: Solveig's Song
Sleepers, Wake
Water Music: Hornpipe
Symphony No. 9, 'From The New World': Largo
Emperor Waltz
'Emperor' Quartet: St. Anthony's Chorale
'The Tales Of Hoffman': Barcarolle
L'Arlesienne: Farandole
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Mirlitons
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
'Rhapsody In Blue': Highlight
'Orpheus In The Underworld': Can-Can

Tracks:

Introduction To 'Also sprach Zarathustra'
Symphony No. 4, 'Italian': Saltarello: Presto
Piano Concerto No. 20: Romance
'The Valkyrie': Ride Of The Valkyries
'The Four Seasons' - The Spring: Allegro
Toccata and Fugue
Trumpet Voluntary
'Royal Fireworks Music': la rejouissance: Allegro
'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio Sostenuto
London Festival Orchestra: Overture To 'The Barber Of Seville'
Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio Sostenuto

Tracks:

Carmina Burana: Introduction To 'Carmina Burana'
Peer Gynt: Dawn From 'Peer Gynt'
Lohengrin: Prelude To 'Lohengrin'
'Lieutenant Kije': Troika From 'Lieutenant Kije'
Adiago For Strings
'Carmen': Habanera From 'Carmen'
'Double' Concerto: Allegro From 'Double' Concerto
The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture To 'The Marriage Of Figaro'
(Rondo) Alla Turca
Xerxes: Largo From 'Xerxes'
Symphony No. 5: Allegro vivace From Symphony No. 5
'Swan Lake': Scene: Enchanted Lake From 'Swan Lake'
Clair De Lune
Bolero

Customer Reviews:

CD set is misnamed.......2007-06-08

They should have titled this "classical music for people who love classical music" because most of the selections are typical classical music. The title suggests it would be lively selections of "light classical" music that is more upbeat, i.e. Sabre Dance, etc. I really don't hate classical music at all and have many classical CDs in my collection but I really wanted to hear more exciting selections. I won't be purchasing any more of this set but if you like traditional classical music these are good one.

Do not Buy.......2007-02-21

I do know it says classical music for people who hate it, but serioulsly you would have better luck never listening to classical music again. The recordings are awfull and do not do justice to any of the composers. Buy something else.

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music.......2007-01-30

We love this set of CD's. I just got a new copy because my kids keeping taking our first copy with them so that they can listen at work or in their bedrooms but then I can never find them.

Seek better versions.......2006-12-09

If you are fairly new to classical purchases then compilation CD's can be useful for deciding what to buy next. Sometimes you only need a small taste of a piece to inspire you to buy a release with the whole performance on. The problem with this compilation however is that most of the versions are poor in performance or recording quality (or both) when compared to the best versions and the fact that the conductors aren't even credited on the track listing made me suspect that this would be the case. One of my favorite classical pieces is Tchaikovsky's 1812 festival overture but if the first CD version I had heard had been the finale excerpt that is on this compilation I may not have gone on to buy the whole thing. Luckily I heard Adrian Leaper's version first and Adrian's version is rather good.
My classical CD buying experience is limited to only a couple of dozen discs but I have found that the Naxos and Deutshe Grammophon releases are fairly safe. Avoid any release which does not name the conductors on the track listing or sleeve notes.

It Is What It Is.......2006-10-27

It's fitting that this page is fraught with the same kind of silly snobbery that turns people off from classical music (and necessitates collections like this) in the first place.

Any criticism of this compilation, which focuses on the quality of the performances or the fact that many tracks are excerpts, misses the point. This is not a collection for people who consider such things, nor does it purport to be. The idea is to package as many ultra-famous classical melodies as possible in one affordable collection and market it to people who have never purchased a classical recording. As such, top-tier performances are likely too expensive to be sold so cheaply and are unnecessary anyway. Those of us who already know and love a piece or two can forgive the compilers the inclusion of sub-par recordings, when we are exposed to so many other beautiful pieces for the first time.

It probably comes as a shock for some to hear that most people are not familiar with these classics. We may hear snippets on TV or movies, but are left with no idea as to the composer or historical context. With that in mind, it is extremely intimidating to begin buying classical. I suppose those among us, who so thoroughly dismissed the very notion of a boxed set like this, would have us begin by buying full albums by reputable interpreters. Surprisingly enough though, the majority of people would consider that a tad cost-prohibitive.

To conclude, this is a STARTER collection. It will either affirm a listener's feelings about classical music or lead to an interest in purchasing better recordings. Ideally, I suppose the interpretations would be better, but, for reasons mentioned above, that just isn't in the cards for a collection of this nature. If you're familiar with 50 different recordings of "The Ring" series, or have season tickets to the New York Philharmonic, then this probably isn't for you. For us cretins with limited foreknowledge of classical music though, it serves as a succinct introduction with little to complain about.

Average customer rating:

It was faulty on the last title to be played The Carnival of Venice
Awesome Collection!
A Wonderful Collection
Wonderful edition to your trumpet collection.
Quite the CD

Greatest Hits: Trumpet

Manufacturer: Sony
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Classic Wynton
Famous Classical Trumpet Concertos
Trumpet Concertos
Baroque Trumpet Concertos
Wynton Marsalis - Baroque Music for Trumpet

ASIN: B000002AVK
Release Date: 1994-12-06

Tracks:

Brandenburg Concerto No.2, BWV 1047: III. Allegro assai
Birthday Ode For Queen Anne: Eternal Source Of Light Divine
Concerto For 2 Trumpets In C Major, RV 537: 1. Allegro
The Prince Of Denmark March
Canzon V
First Symphonic Suite: Rondeau
Trumpet Tune 'Martial Air': Martial Air
Trumpet Concerto In E-Flat Major: III. Finale. Allegro
Sonata a 9 zu der Kayserlichen Serenade
Voluntary In C Major
Trumpet Concerto In E-Flat Major: II. Andante
Trumpet Concerto In E-Flat Major: III. Rondo
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Petrushka: Dance Of The Ballerina & Waltz
Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30: Introduction
Lieutenant Kije: Symphonic Suite, Op. 60: Kije's Wedding
Hary Janos Suite: Entrance Of The Emperor & His Court
Swan Lake, Op. 20: Naepolitan Dance (Act III) - Tchaikovsky
Rondo For Lifey
Concerto No. 1 For Piano, Trumpet & String Orchestra, Op. 35: IV. Allegro con brio
Tsar Saltan: Flight Of The Bumblebee
The Three Aces - Clarke
A Bugler's Holiday
Variations On The Carnival Of Venice

Customer Reviews:

It was faulty on the last title to be played The Carnival of Venice.......2007-06-01

I returned this to New Castle. Box 15550. I have heard nothing. The date of the return was 15/05/07 from my Throop postoffice in Dorset. I sent it recorded delivery. Over to you. There was nothing on the return screen to explain the fault. ie faulty track. So after many attempts to get intouch I sent it to the address on the paper inside the parcel. Please help.
I am a Grandmother so I am over 13 ???

Awesome Collection!.......2006-07-04

As a young boy I would play my trumpet from my father's old Arban's method book. My private trumpet teacher (Mr. Bonfield) would love to play duets with me from the Merchant of Venice. One day I heard Wynoton Marsailas play a a flawless rendition of The Merchant of Venice on my local clasical radio station. It was flawless and brought back many fond memories of studiying the trumpet as a youngster with my beloved teacher. This collection contains that rendition and a wide selecton of clasical trumpet pieces. You may not recognize every song, but you will enjoy the high quality of the music and artists on this CD. Anyone looking for an introduction to quality, classical, trumpet music should buy this CD. The price also makes this an affordable must for any true trumpet fan.

A Wonderful Collection.......2004-01-26

This is a splendid anthology of music. Traditional Baroque and orchestral pieces up front, and a few surprises nearer the end. A splendid work. The price makes it a steal. Add it to your cart. You will not be sorry. There is technical excellence - peace in some of the songs and real energy in others.

Wonderful edition to your trumpet collection........2003-10-21

Trumpet fans should all own this album, that is if they don't already own all of the pieces on here on separate recordings (it would take a while to obtain them all). This recording features a bunch of great classical trumpeters and innovators such as Armando Ghitalla, Phil Smith, Wynton Marsalis, Mark Gould, H.L. Clarke, Ron Romm, Charles Schleuter, William Vacchiano, and more. Great performances of Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 2", the Haydn and Hummel Concertos, Wynton's excellent performance of J.B. Arban's "The Carnival Of Venice", the New England Brass Ensemble performing "Trumpet Voluntary", a very good job done by a Baroque Orchestra of the Vivaldi Concerto for Two Trumpets, "The Three Aces" played by H.L. Clarke, and Leroy Anderson's classic "A Bugler's Holiday".

Overall this is a great listen to some of the best trumpet players of all-time in this idiom. All of the pieces are impeccably played by some of the best. I didn't discover this tape in my collection until recently, and boy I'm glad I did.

Quite the CD.......2001-04-17

If I were you, I would buy this CD. It is a diverse collection of amazing performances of quintessential pieces - an important addition to any classical music fan's collection. Heck, even if you're not big on classical music (or trumpet music or brass music or music at all) you should purchase this compact disc.

Tracks:

1. Allegro
2. Larghetto
3. Gavotta: Non Troppo Allegro
4. Finale: Molto Vivace
1. Allegro Moderato
2. Largo
3. Vivace

Tracks:

1. Allegro Ben Articolato
2. Tema: Andante/Var.I: L'istesso Tempo/Var.II: Allegro Non Troppo/Var.III: Allegro/Var.IV: Larghetto/Var.V: Allegro Con Brio/Var.VI: Allegro Moderato/Tema: Andante Molto, Doppio Movimento
1. Moderato
2. Allegretto - Allegro
3. Andante Espressivo
4. Vivace - Moderato Marcato

Tracks:

1. Moderato
2. Andante
3. Allegro Agitato
4. Andante Mosso
1. Andante - Allegro Eroico
2. Andante Tranquillo
3. Moderato, Quasi Allegretto
4. Allegro Risoluto - Andantino - Allegro Come Prima

Tracks:

1. Andante - Andreas Schmidt
2. Allegro Marcato - Andreas Schmidt
3. Adagio - Andreas Schmidt
4. Allegro Giocoso - Andreas Schmidt
1. Kije's Birth - Andreas Schmidt
2. Romance - Andreas Schmidt
3. Kije's Wedding - Andreas Schmidt
4. Troika - Andreas Schmidt
5. Kije's Burial - Andreas Schmidt

Customer Reviews:

The Berlin Phil. isn't enough--where's the spirit of Prokofiev?.......2006-07-14

I hope Seiji Ozawa is happy that there's one place in the world, [...] where his Prokofiev symphony cycle fills people with joy. Most critics were quite disappointed in his approach, which veers erratically between the genteel, the bland, and the explosive. You can hear all three styles in the opening movement of Sym. #1, which jolts from one mode to the next. Ozawa seems at a loss to find eihter the wit or the classical elegance of this beloved student work.

The companion symphony on CD 1 is Sym. #6, which typifies the strength of the whole set--outstanding playing from the Berlin Phil.--as well as Ozawa's besetting weakness: he can't find a consistent style for the work. As a result, he tends to fall back on generalized music-making. You can't tell which sections are meant to be elegaic, mysterious, witty, satiric, or romantic.

Ozawa does well when the music is lyrical, brisk, or lightweight. He softens the brutality of the machine-driven idiom of Sym. #2 and #3, which spares our nerves; I am grateful for that, and for the Berliners' fearless execution. The Third emerges as a sonic blockbuster with great impact--I was genuinely thrilled by Ozawa's reading.

By general consensus the masterpiece among Prokofiev's symphonies is the Fifth, which has had some great performances over the years, including Karajan's famous 1968 account with the Berliners. Ozawa's agreeable, suave conducting isn't in the same league, but his performance is better recorded, and for sheer impact it can stand with the best. If only he could have found more bite and elan in the music.

In sum, I can see why critics were decidedly mixed about this set and why the new one from Gergiev is likely to eclipse Ozawa totally.

Stunningly good set.......2005-10-21

This really is an untterly fantastic box set. I am just learning Prokofiev's symphonic cycle with these, and I would certainly enjoy hearing something better than this!

The sound is exquisite, the orchestra is utterly tops, the music (other than the 1st and 5th of course) is a bit inaccessible for the neophyte (although I did love my mother's old LP of the 4th as a kid) but is glistening here so brightly it's undeniable.

Recommended.

Prokofiev Symphonies.......2005-08-09

Ozawa conducts Prokofiev complete symphonies in Berlin. You can't get any better than that! In true Ozawa fashion, you can hear just about every line, every staff, every note. He is such a perfectionist that if you haven't seen him conduct live, you don't know what orchestral perfectionisim is. Get the scores and follow along and you will see what I mean.

Best complete set, but this isn't your grandpa's "Lt. Kije".......2004-09-29

I concur with the reviewers who saw exceptional merit in the (undeservedly) obscure symphonies (namely, those other than 1 & 5). Each sound-world has its own charms. One can hear antecedent rumblings of the 5th lurking in the 4th -- as if in nascent form, waiting to open the matrix of the womb. The melodic invention seems bottomless, and the penchant for boldly painted colors never flags. The low brass surprised me at many points -- it seems Ozawa (or his engineers) had coaxed something out of them that was hard to come by under Karajan's baton. While one can argue over Ozawa's take on individual symphonies (e.g., I'd take de Burgos over Ozawa on the 1st), a Complete Set has to be evaluated on its own terms. This one is a true five-star find.

The Lieutenant Kije suite will shock anyone expecting to hear excerpts from Woody Allen's "Love and Death." In two movements (the Romance and the popular Troika), a baritone vocalist covers the main themes (following the 1933 original version). When a previous reviewer lamented the coupling of the symphonies with yet another Lt. Kije, I found it to be a premature judgment. I've heard a half dozen other versions, but this is the first I've heard the original version with the baritone singing the Russian text. Frankly, I don't even think I like the original 1933 version -- but I certainly can't complain that this seventh Lt. Kije Suite was a redundant addition to my music library!

There's a reason for everything........2003-11-27

Prokofiev was a great composer. His first and fifth symphonies can be found everywhere. The others are much harder to come across. I always wondered why. Now I know; they're not nearly as good.

On top of that, Seiji Ozawa has to be one of the most overrated conductors out there. I have to wonder if my low estimation of Prokofiev's forgotten symphonies is the composer's fault or the conductor's.

Prokofiev: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5
Average customer rating:

The Outstanding Serge Prokofiev

a superb 5th, but get the DG originals version instead

Monumental...A Staggering Achievement!

A recording full of Prokofiev's wit and energy

Prokofiev: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5

Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2005-03-15

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 'Classical': Allegro
Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 'Classical': Larghetto
Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 'Classical': Gavotta: Non troppo allegro
Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 'Classical': Finale: Molto vivace
Symphony No. 5 In B Flat Major, Op. 100: Andante
Symphony No. 5 In B Flat Major, Op. 100: Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 5 In B Flat Major, Op. 100: Adagio
Symphony No. 5 In B Flat Major, Op. 100: Allegro giocoso

Amazon.com

Karajan's account of the Fifth has been a classic since the day it appeared. The reading is remarkable for its tensile strength and lyric sweep, and it possesses in full measure the quality of power in reserve that was characteristic of the conductor's best recordings with the Berlin Philharmonic. The tempos are well chosen, and the performance moves inexorably forward without seeming to be pushed. The playing of the Philharmonic is assured throughout and rich in atmosphere. The Classical Symphony comes off sounding just a bit heavy and humorless--it is brilliantly played but not quite lighthearted enough. Still, this is a formidable coupling. The recorded sound is somewhat glary in Fifth, but has adequate weight and detail. At mid-price, this is one of the most attractive of the many couplings of these works. --Ted Libbey

Album Details

Prokofiev and Stravinsky were Hardly Among Conductor Herbert Von Karajan Or the Berlin Philharmonic's Specialties Though their Very Personal Accounts Here of These Two Russian Orchestral Staples Are Never Less Than Interesting. Their Lush, Vigorous Performance of Prokofiev's Fifth Symphony is Thrilling with the Winds and Strings Especially Displaying Exceptional Precision and Clarity. While Lacking the Extrovert Fury the Vast Majority of Conductors Bring to Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, Karajan's Certainly Unique, Lighter, More Neighbor-friendly Interpretation Will Appeal to Some as Well.

Customer Reviews:

The Outstanding Serge Prokofiev.......2007-04-20

Prokofiev (1891-1953) was a wonderful composer. These two symphonies are quite remarkable. The first "Classical" is a tribute to Haydn and captures all of the fun and lightness within Prokofiev's brand of modernism. Though he was known as the "Age of Steel" composer, Prokofiev's 5th Symphony is really quite melodic; definately one of greatest symphonies of the 20th century. Karajan and the BPO do a fine job on both of these numbers. Then again, Karajan was really better than most people say within the Russian repetiore.

Comparison of Symphony #1: Bernstein/NYPO
Comparisons of Symphony #5: Szell, Dorati

P.S. If you like Prokofiev, try the orchestral music of Shostakovich, Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland and Alan Hovhaness.

a superb 5th, but get the DG originals version instead.......2002-06-27

Karajan's performance of the Prokofiev 5th is one of the best available. He imparts a gravitas and nobility to the 1st and 3rd movements, but also brings out effectively the the spiky and percussive qualities of the 2nd and 4th movements. Particularly notable in this recording is that the percussion (cymbals and gong, I think) in the climax of the 1st movement sounds truly explosive, and Karajan builds up the 4th (last) movement to a very powerful climax.
However, don't get this edition (DG galleria), but instead its newer remastering on the DG Originals series. For some reason, this has not been released domestically (but should be available from record outlets that carry imports), for the sound is both more full bodied (no glare, as on the DG Galleria) and dynamic.
Moreover, you get a more generous coupling, for instead of the short Prokofiev classical symphony, the other selection is Karajan's 2nd recording of Stravinsky's the Rite of Spring, which is a very well played performance, lacking only in the ultimate intensity and evocativeness of Bernstein's NY Phil recording, which I have reviewed on my site, but competitive with most others.

Monumental...A Staggering Achievement!.......2000-05-08

Karajans recording of Prokofievs Symphony 5 is a masterpiece of recorded music. He leads the Berlin Philharmonic with utter conviction. Never has this symphony sounded so noble and moving. This is a classic reading. The "Classical" Symphony is somewhat heavy, and perhaps a bit to bombastic, but this is still an adequate performance. This disc is priceless, and belongs in every cd collection!

A recording full of Prokofiev's wit and energy.......2000-05-01

While von Karajan was an excellent conductor with the German repetoire of Beethoven, Brahms, ect, it was often with works from of non-German composers that he made his best performances. This CD of Prokofiev's two most popular symphonies is no exception. While the "Classical" symphony does seem a bit heavy for a work meant to be written in the spirit of Haydn, the reading of the fifth is wonderful and I've yet to hear a better recording of it. The tension of of the first and third movements contrasts wonderfully with the light hearted moods of the second and final movements. I highly recommend this performance.

Prokofiev: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5: Lieutenant Kijé

Average customer rating:

what the hey
Delightful recording of two of Prokofiev's best...

Prokofiev: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5: Lieutenant Kijé

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 1995-05-09

Tracks:

Allegro - Stephen Gunzenhauser
Larghetto - Stephen Gunzenhauser
Non Troppo Allegro - Stephen Gunzenhauser
Molto Vivace - Stephen Gunzenhauser
Andante - Stephen Gunzenhauser
Allegro Marcato - Stephen Gunzenhauser
Adagio - Stephen Gunzenhauser
Allegro Giocoso - Stephen Gunzenhauser
The Birth Of Kije - Czecho-Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra (Kosice)
Romance - Czecho-Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra (Kosice)
Kije's Wedding - Czecho-Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra (Kosice)
Troika - Czecho-Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra (Kosice)
March - Czecho-Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra (Kosice)

Customer Reviews:

what the hey.......2007-03-09

Symphony 5 was nice, but lt. Kije was incomplete, and made my ears feel like something was wrong but they couldn't figure out what. As I bought the record for the suite, I feel cheated.

Delightful recording of two of Prokofiev's best..........2001-08-13

This generously filled disc (78 minutes!!) contains wonderful performances of two of Prokofiev's finest symphonies. It also provides the listener a chance to hear two sides of Prokofiev.

The 1st, or "Classical" symphony, is a charming neo-classical work written by Prokofiev as an experiment to write in the style of Haydn or Mozart BUT using 20th harmonies. The result is a very accessible work, pleasant and delightful. (The Larghetto is one of my favorite movements in the symphonic repetoire.)

Jump ahead almost three decades and we get the other side of Prokofiev in a much more dramatic and modern work. Prokofiev's unexpected harmonic twists are present throughout this work, which is very modern sounding but never hard on the ears. This is one of the GREAT symphonies of the 20th century.

The last fifteen minutes of the disc are just icing on the cake: the composer arranged suite from his film score for "Lietenant Kije" (the "Troika" with it's sleigh bells should be immediately familiar) and the famous "March" from his opera The Love for Three Oranges".

Prokofiev's unique musical language is present throughout this disc and the performances, by the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Gunzenhauser (the symphonies) and the Czecho-Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Mogrelia, are beautifully executed and recorded. From the late 80s, these are examples of the quality of early Naxos recordings that kept the label going and has made it one of the most successful classical labels in the world.

Prokofiev: The Complete Symphonies (incl. Symphony No. 4, Revised Version)
Average customer rating:

RE: on Jeff's super review

Spectacular

A decent set

Awesome music, playing, feeling and recording!

Prokofiev: The Complete Symphonies (incl. Symphony No. 4, Revised Version)

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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Prokofiev: Complete Piano Sonatas

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Shostakovich: Concertos; Orchestral Suites; Chamber Symphonies

Shostakovich: The Symphonies

ASIN: B000000AMC
Release Date: 1992-10-28

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In D Major Op. 25 'Classical': I. Allegro
Symphony No. 1 In D Major Op. 25 'Classical': II. Larghetto
Symphony No. 1 In D Major Op. 25 'Classical': III. Gavotte: Non troppo allegro
Symphony No. 1 In D Major Op. 25 'Classical': IV. Finale: Molto vivace
Symphony No. 4 Op.112: I. Andante-Allegro eroico-Allegretto
Symphony No. 4 Op. 112: II. Andante tranquillo
Symphony No. 4 Op.112: III. Moderato, quasi allegretto
Symphony No.4 Op.112: IV. Allegro risoluto

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In C Minor Op.44: I. Moderato
Symphony No. 3 In C Minor Op.44: II. Andante
Symphony No.3 In C Minor Op.44: III. Allegro agitato
Symphony No.3 In C Minor Op.44: IV. Andante mosso - Allegro agitato
Symphony No.4 In C Major Op.47: I. Andante assai - Allegro eroico
Symphony No.4 In C Major Op.47: II. Andante tranquillo
Symphony No.4 In C Major Op.47: III. Moderato, quasi allegretto
Symphony No.4 In C Major Op.47: IV. Allegro risoluto

Tracks:

Symphony No. 2 In D Minor Op. 40: I Allegro ben articolato - II Theme and Variations
Symphony No. 2 In D Minor Op. 40: Theme
Symphony No. 2 In D Minor Op. 40: Variation 1
Symphony No. 2 In D Minor Op. 40: Variation 2
Symphony No. 2 In D Minor Op. 40: Variation 3
Symphony No. 2 In D Minor Op. 40: Variation 4
Symphony No. 2 In D Minor Op. 40: Variation 5
Symphony No. 2 In D Minor Op. 40: Variation 6 and Theme
Symphony No.6 In E Flat Minor Op.111: I Allegro moderato
Symphony No.6 In E Flat Minor Op.111: II Largo
Symphony No.6 In E Flat Minor Op.111: III Vivace

Tracks:

Symphony No.5 In F Flat Major Op.100: I Andante
Symphony No.5 In F Flat Major Op.100: II Allegro marcato
Symphony No.5 In F Flat Major Op.100: III Adagio
Symphony No.5 In F Flat Major Op.100: IV Allegro giocoso
Symphony No.7 In C Sharp Minor Op.131: I Moderato
Symphony No.7 In C Sharp Minor Op.131: II Allegretto
Symphony No.7 In C Sharp Minor Op.131: III Andante espressivo
Symphony No.7 In C Sharp Minor Op.131: IV Vivace

Customer Reviews:

RE: on Jeff's super review.......2004-06-22

Jeff Lipscomb's review is THE best review I've read on Prokofiev's symphonies on ANY web site. Masterly written. Jeff's mention of recordings I was not even aware of. I have the Anosov/Czech's 7th and agree, its even slightly better than the great Samosud/All Union. I had Rozh's 1,7 and 2,3, from the early 60's on Consonance, I found them "fair", prefer Kuchar to Rozh. I sure would love to find the Kond/Chicago and Kond/Concertgebouw on my fav Prok, the 3rd. I'll have to look for Mrvinsky on the 6th, but never been a big fan of Mrv. I like Kuchar alot in 2-7. The Jarvi are OK as a second set, HOWEVER I see some reviewer's are giving too many stars. ?? The Stok/USSR 5th should be a very interesting performance , but is rare. Jeff Thanks for the super review/FAIR review.

EDIT
I see 5 of 13 have found at least something interesting in my review.
I guess the fact that I've heard the Samosud and Anosov (Rozhdestvensky's father) gives me some credence.
I realize that 13 folks have passed by my review, more than any other review of other recordings, tells me that many are seeking to find out which recording they should go with.
Having had all the Rozh/USSR on Consonance/2,3,1,7, Samosud's 7th, Anisov/Czech's 7th, Muti's 3,5 /Philidelphia, and knowing this Jarvi from several selections. the Kuchar offers not only the finest of all in my humble opinion, but also is easily avaliable, great sound, with Naxos' prices.
Though I do not like Kuchar's iron handed technique/attitudes (as I've heard) with the orch, as with Reiner, the results are there. IOW there is emotion in Kuchar's recordings, as opposed to Reiner's coldness.

Spectacular.......2003-10-22

A must for Prokofiev fans. Jarvi and RSNO do a marvelous job. All the performances are inspired and well played. This set is well worth the money. Great sound on these recordings. Chandos does it again! Buy this set of recordings and tell everyone you know about them.

A decent set.......2001-08-23

This set is worthwhile if you want a complete set of the symphonies. Only the 6th is perhaps a first recommendation when comparing individual symphonies, though. I will more quickly turn to Abbado or Muti for 3, Szell or Karajan for 5, and Previn or Malko for 7. The second is not one that is recorded often, for good reason. It has many fine moments that are, unfortunately, drowning in a sea of loud, unsubtle noise. Neither versions of 4 are particular favorites either. But if you want a complete set, this is as good as any. But I would recommend getting the best of them (3, 5, and 6) in individual performances.

Awesome music, playing, feeling and recording!.......2001-01-23

This is well worth the money!I listen to the set every week. 4 revised is magical. 3 is an all out asault from all sides! The rest are at worst very entertaining.

Prokofiev: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5; Lieutenant Kijé Suite

Average customer rating:

A slashing, savage Fifth, in strange sound
A truly wonderful recording

Prokofiev: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5; Lieutenant Kijé Suite

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sergei Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 3, Op. 44/Symphonic Dances, Op. 45
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The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs and DVDs Yearbook 2006/07 Edition (Penguin Guide to Compact Discs and Dvds Yearbook)

ASIN: B0002VYDZA
Release Date: 2004-10-12

Customer Reviews:

A slashing, savage Fifth, in strange sound.......2005-10-03

Much as I admire Temirkanov, who strikes me as probably Russia's greatest living conductor along with Valery Gergiev, his approach to the Prokofiev Fifth is extremely eccentric. In place of sardonic wit, we get slashing, savage passages that feel wildly overdone. In addition, the sonics are heavily weighted toward the bass end, so that timpani and double basses boom out almost louder than the rest of the orchestra. Prokofiev's snare drum parts jump out of the speakers like artillery.

These distortions ruin an otherwise exciting performance; the remainder of the CD, including an excellent Classical Sym. and a run-of-the-mill Lt. Kije Suite, are not afflicted with similar problems. I will stick with my previous favorites in the Prokofiev Fifth, Bernstein on Sony and the universally acclaimed Karajan on DG.

A truly wonderful recording .......2004-11-16

I strongly recommend this recording to anybody who loves Prokofiev music. The "Classical Symphony" sparkles with wit, humour, and intelligence while the Fifth symphony, in contrast, is life itself. It has everything, beauty, ugliness, warmth, harshness, love, irony, and even a cold-blooded feeling. Mr. Temirkanov and the St.Petersburg Philharmonic perform these pieces as if they were the creator of the music. Everything has its meaning. They simply understand what the music is about and they are to make you believe it.

Orchestral Excerpts for Bass Trombone, Tenore Tuba, Bass Trumpet

Average customer rating:

Good, but not the best methods for bass trombonists
Mulcahy Rocks, Reynolds is Hilarious!
Very Helpful
A perfecrt resource...almost!

Orchestral Excerpts for Bass Trombone, Tenore Tuba, Bass Trumpet

Manufacturer: Summit(Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Charles Vernon, Bass Trombone
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ASIN: B0000038JV
Release Date: 1995-07-18

Tracks:

Bass Trbn: Sarabande in c - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: Till Eulenspeigel, Zarathustra, Ein Heldenleben - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: Miraculous Mandarin/Sym No.9/Vn Con - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: Hungarian March, Rome And Juliet - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: Sym No.1 - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: Sym No.7/Sym in d - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: The Creation/Hary Janos - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: Syms No.5, 6, 7, 9 - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: Pictures/Romeo And Juliet/Pines Of Rome/Gazza Ladra - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: Sym No.3 - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: Sym No.5 - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Trbn: Lohengrin, Ride Of Valkyries - Jeffrey Reynolds/Los Angeles Phil
Bass Tpt: Intro - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
Bass Tpt: Das Rheingold - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
Bass Tpt: Die Walkure - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
Bass Tpt: Siegfried - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
Bass Tpt: Die Gotterdammerung - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
Tenor Tuba: Bydlo - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
Tenor Tuba: Sym No.7 - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
Tenor Tuba: Don Quixote - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
Tenor Tuba: Ein Heldenleben - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym
Tenor Tuba: The Planets - Michael Mulcahy/Chicago Sym

Customer Reviews:

Good, but not the best methods for bass trombonists.......2007-07-05

After listening to the excerpts, I recognized Jeffrey Reynolds' perspective. He is an experienced player, but some of his advice is not as practical as it seems. For the Franck excerpt, common orchestral practice is to play the f-sharp as written: it is an applicable range study and should be kept intact. The Schumann excerpt is not played as written also, and should be taken literally in the context that it was written. Mr. Reynolds' approach to Wagner is interesting, especially to Die Walkure. It's not for everyone, but it may be beneficial to some. The Kodaly is well presented, as well as the Mahler, Berg, and Strauss excerpts. All things considered, it is a decent aide for study, but should not be seen as a "this is how it must be done" collection of excerpts.

Mulcahy Rocks, Reynolds is Hilarious!.......2006-10-26

Okay, for anyone seriously interested in what NOT to do in an audition, make sure to listen to Reynolds on this disc. There's a reason this CD is infamous, and he's the reason. Even his advice is pretty awful. Take part of the D Major down an octave because the commitee won't notice? Hah! That kills me every time.

Mulcahy rocks on this, though. Just listen to the VAlhalla theme and tell me he's not a monster.

Then, go back and listen to Reynolds play Ein Heldenleben with 'oblique intonation' and 'questionable sound' and roll on the floor for a while.

Very Helpful.......2006-05-27

This CD was very helpful for me, a student bass trombonist. The CD enables you to not only hear the exerpt, but also listen to what the performer says about it and how it should be played. Mr. Reynolds, as well as Mr. Mulcahy played the exerpts beautifully.

A perfecrt resource...almost!.......2000-08-02

The Orchestra Pro series are a very useful tool to student musicians trying to get a grasp on how the major symphonic excerpts should be played. More useful, however is the spoken commentary, which resembles a one on one lesson with the performer. The bass trumpet and tenor tuba excerpts are played beautifully by Mulcahy. The bass trombone playing or Reynolds often leaves the listener wondering if he could not have done a slightly better job on some of the excerpts. All in all this CD is a great resource for those trying to get their foot in the door of the orchestral music scene.

Prokofiev: Symphonies Nos. 1 "Classical" & 5

Average customer rating:

Prokofiev Symphonies
Not quite there
Excellent Fifth!

Prokofiev: Symphonies Nos. 1 "Classical" & 5

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Sym No.1 in D, Op.25 'Classical': 1. Allegro
Sym No.1 in D, Op.25 'Classical': 2. Larghetto
Sym No.1 in D, Op.25 'Classical': 3. Gavotta: Non troppo allegro
Sym No.1 in D, Op.25 'Classical': 4. Finale: Molto vivace
Sym No.5 in B flat, Op.100: 1. Andante
Sym No.5 in B flat, Op.100: 2. Allegro marcato
Sym No.5 in B flat, Op.100: 3. Adagio
Sym No.5 in B flat, Op.100: 4. Allegro giocoso

Customer Reviews:

Prokofiev Symphonies.......2005-11-29

On this disk is a nice representation of Sergei Prokofiev's symphonic works, ones which at first seem diametrically opposed, but which in the end, is clearly the voice of a modern master.

The Classical Symphony, Prokofiev's first symphony, was not just an exercise in composition, but Prokofiev, who normally composed at the piano, wanted to try without. The end result is a surprisingly charming work, little expected from Prokofiev at the time. In all four movements, he writes charming, imaginative and memorable melodies of a "classical" structure, along with "classical" textures and articulations. The harmonies are "romantic" in nature, often taking unusual side trips to unexpected progressions. Not a terrible long work, the style is evocative of Stamitz's classical symphonies rather than Mozart or Haydn's, but the voice is clearly a modern one. The outer movements are whimsical and brash while the inner ones are a bit more on the courtly side.

The Fifth Symphony is a much more aggressive work. Creating sounds we are used to from Prokofiev, he uses dissonance in accord with his great orchestrations and melodic writing. The 1st and 3rd movements are ones of great angst and the longest (both over 12 minutes). One wonders if Prokofiev were not constrained by the Stalin regime if his musical language would show such emotion. It is in the 2nd and last movements that Prokofiev's mastery of melody shines forth. The jumpy scherzo melody of the 2nd movement continues the gloom of the 1st, but sheds some humor (or perhaps folk elements) on the work. The almost sunny, but certainly expansive, melody of the 4th movement is given to the clarinet, giving the finale a more lighthearted feel after the great lyricism and gloom of the 3rd movement. A great symphony; both works on the disk are the heights of Prokofiev's symphonic writing.

James Levine and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra have recorded together previously with great success. This disk is no let down. In the Classical Symphony, Levine follows all the articulation markings in the score giving Chicago a much different sound than in the latter work, one with great alacrity and lightness. The extroverted nature of the Fifth Symphony is perfect for Chicago to drive home. Levine brings home a winner, and the great pairing on one CD doesn't go unnoticed. If you can find it, you can't go wrong.

Not quite there.......2001-06-30

Some parts are very close. But this CD falls short ultimately. The "Classical" is the biggest misfire: Levine's concept is very romantic and heavy for a quicksilver work. Much of the clever economy of thought and charm of content are lost. But even the mighty 5th isn't quite right. Some of the tempi relationships are tenuous, and the first movement is just too FAST. Epic shapes are glossed over, climactic moments are missed, and the percussion, while impressive, isn't impressive *enough.* The third movement too is inexpliucably rushed--Andante rather than Adagio--and the big central climax never seems to arise organically from the material that preceeds it but rather just appears out of nowhere, almost sounding spliced in (in an aesthetic sense...technical it sounds fine). The finale is also a bit too fast for its own good--it feels as though the CSO is skating over the music and thus it feels disconnected from the other movements rather than a logical and inevitable build-up. Still there are some fine moments in this 5th: the scherzo is a gas, as is much of the finale (at least from a virtuoso standpoint). And some parts, leading into and out of the central section of the slow movement, work. The finest Prokofiev 5th I've ever heard is (believe it or not) Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra, 1977, on RCA, unfortunately never released on CD. (This is not to be confused with the Sony recording, which is on disc...that recording is fair, but not great.) If RCA ever sees fit to put their recording on CD grab it, or if you collect used vinyl and come across it, do the same. Meanwhile this recording is fine. You wouldn't "go wrong" in buying it. But somehow with the caliber of forces at work, and the excellent reviews, I expected better.

Excellent Fifth!.......2001-06-22

I believe that James Levine is what I catagorize as a "bold" conductor, because his performance is rather strongly heavily played whenever he plays with the orchestra, especially the Chicago Symphony. Similar reason with Karajan too. That's why I recommend you to buy Abbado's performance for Prokofiev's first symphony, rather than Levines. The first symphony is supposedly petite and delicate, and "twitchy". Abbado performs with clarity and his tempo is excellent; Levine plays a bit heavily, as well as Karajan. On the brighter side, Levine performs very well on the almighy fifth symphony, nicknamed "The Heroic". When I heard the music for the very first time, it was totally awesome! The first movement is my favorite. The brass is excellent, but the percussion players, I really want to thank, are the best! I am truly moved by the powerful blended sound of the crash cymbal and the tam-tam at the ending part of the movement. That just made me say "WOW! Titanic!" Just totally awesome, much better than Ashkenazy's, which tended on putting the purcussions a bit behind from the brass. If you never heard the music, I think you should try this CD out for Prokofiev's fifth symphony. If you're after the first, though, look for Abbado.

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