BaL 16.04.11 - Prokofiev: Symphony no. 6

[Rolmill]

I have a Decca recording from 1998 with Charles Dutoit conducting the NHK SO, which I suspect is by now nla. As to my ears it rather skates over the surface of the piece, I am in the market for a good new version and so will be listening more intently than usual. I am glad that it is in the hands of JS, who is usually a model broadcaster and whose judgement I trust.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Since there are so few available recordings in the list, I've added a few deleted ones.

I don't suppose any recording over 10 years old will be considered anyway.

[LeMartinPecheur]

Jonathan Swain recommends a recording of this 'elegy of the tragedies of World War II.'

Some available versions:

....
National Orchestra of the ORFT - Martinon
....

Other versions which may be obtainable:

....
ORTF National Orchestra - Martinon
....

Are these perhaps the same?? (Sorry EA, it's the editor/ proof-reader in me...)

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

:doh: It's been a bad day.

Thanks. I'll adjust it immediately

[3rd Viennese School]

I've got the Decca NHK one and the Chandos Scottish one (Box set).

One ends fast, one ends slow.

Which is correct, do you think?

3VS

[Bryn]

I haven't seen this version anywhere yet, but I've taken your word for it and have added it to the list.

I had it on 'pre-order' from Presto Classical. It arrived last week, along with three new Sony/BMG new boxed sets and the Kondrashin recording of the Bowdlerized version of Prokofiev's Cantata for the 20th Anniversary of the October Revolution (i.e minus the Stalin settings, and with the Philosophers movements repeated at the end). I have to admit I prefer the Elder 'live' recording of the full version that was issued on a BBC Music Magazine cover disc (coupled with an excellent performance of Shostakovich's 2nd Symphony).

[LeMartinPecheur]

Its good. Its the best one.
3VS

I've heard this said and have dutifully tried to find something extra-meaty in it via the SNO/ Jarvi recording.

But I have to say that I find it a very shut-away work, and would still go - and recommend Prokofiev-symphony virgins to go - to the 5th symphony first among the big P symphonies. Or even the 3rd. (I'll take the 1st and possibly the 7th as read, being shorter, more easily assimilable works.)

[3rd Viennese School]

No.6 doesnt give the game away straight away like some of the others. could be why the Simpson Symphony book described it as not the best Prokofiev symphony but the best Prokofiev work!

It is best to hear all the others first.
Played this last night. the Chandos CD. sounds a lot angrier than the NHK one!

3VS

[3rd Viennese School]

If Prokofiev symphony no.4 original was more widley available then this would also be a good first accessable work for new Prokofiev fans!

3VS

[umslopogaas]

Prokofiev's sixth symphony? A rare and rather difficult item. In response to earlier posts, I found a CD (see below) and played it in the car on my way to the shops. I didnt find it easy and I'm not sure I even recognised it this time round. More work needed, and necessary, this is a rough diamond, but a diamond none the less. At this time (near midnight, 14.04.2011) I note the existence of:

CD
- Orchestre de National de France, cond. Rostropovich (elatus)

LP
- Boston SO, cond. Leinsdorf (RCA)
- Leningrad PO, cond. Mravinsky (Artia, mono)
- the same, MK (I think the W. European issue of Artia)
- LPO, cond. Weller (Decca).