Prokofiev, Sergey - Symphonies Vol. 1 - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

This is the first release in Kirill Karabits and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra's review of all seven Prokofiev symphonies. Karabits has had access to the Prokofiev family archive, and the entire project is full of surprises, including music from the early G major symphony of 1902 and works such as "Dreams" Op. 6, "Autumn Sketch" Op. 8, and "Two Poems for Orchestra and Female Choir," Op. 7, as well as the "Sinfonia Concertante" for cello and orchestra. Each CD booklet includes an interview in which Karabits talks with Prokofiev expert Daniel Jaffé.

The Third Symphony makes extensive use of music from the opera The Fiery Angel. It premiered in 1929 under the baton of Pierre Monteux and is vividly colorful, sensual, and exciting. The Seventh Symphony dates from 1952, a year before the composer's death. Aimed at young people, it is beautiful yet enigmatic and contemplative, reminiscent of great ballet scores. Prokofiev provided an alternative, "happy" traditional ending to the symphony at the request of his colleagues, so that it would not attract criticism from the Soviet authorities. This alternative finale can be heard on this CD after the Seventh Symphony. Today, the work is always performed with the composer's preferred peaceful "farewell ending."