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Discussion: Prokofiev: Symphony 5, Scythian Suite - Litton

Posts: 27
Page: prev 1 2 3

Post by Simon V. May 22, 2015 (21 of 27)
diw said:

"Kempf will soon be completing the piano concerto cycle with Bergen and Litton. "

My bad.

Post by hiredfox May 22, 2015 (22 of 27)
A strangely subdued performance from Litton who is never one to take risks anyway and this shows as he steers a relatively safe and uncontroversial course through this popular work. For me it lacks the bite and edginess which is what surely Prokofiev is all about. There are much more exciting performances than this on SACD.

Post by wehecht May 22, 2015 (23 of 27)
hiredfox said:

There are much more exciting performances than this on SACD.

By my count there are five others. I've long since donated the Telarc and Audite versions to the local library. The Pentatone stays in my collection due to the bizarre coupling, certainly not for the lackluster symphony. That leaves Mavrinsky, a powerful performance in somewhat antiquated sound, and Ashkenazy on Exton at a super premium price (twice what the BIS recording cost me) for stereo only sound complete with mediocre reviews on this side of the ocean. I know from your review that you think it's excellent but given the circumstances I've not heard it. The 5th has been one of my favorite symphonies since first hearing Bernstein's recording in the late 60's. This new version is as good (and exciting) as that one or any other I've ever heard, and much better recorded into the bargain.

Post by hiredfox May 24, 2015 (24 of 27)
wehecht said:

By my count there are five others. I've long since donated the Telarc and Audite versions to the local library. The Pentatone stays in my collection due to the bizarre coupling, certainly not for the lackluster symphony. That leaves Mavrinsky, a powerful performance in somewhat antiquated sound, and Ashkenazy on Exton at a super premium price (twice what the BIS recording cost me) for stereo only sound complete with mediocre reviews on this side of the ocean. I know from your review that you think it's excellent but given the circumstances I've not heard it. The 5th has been one of my favorite symphonies since first hearing Bernstein's recording in the late 60's. This new version is as good (and exciting) as that one or any other I've ever heard, and much better recorded into the bargain.

Recording is first class as you say, my only beef is with the lack of real excitement. Incidentally the new Gardner / Janacek recording with the Bergen Orchestra also benefits from superb recording quality so the acoustic of the venue must be excellent. I have not as yet had a chance to visit, one of those promises to myself that probably will remain unfulfilled whilst Andrew is at the helm - a shame.

Post by Euell Neverno May 24, 2015 (25 of 27)
wehecht said:

By my count there are five others. I've long since donated the Telarc and Audite versions to the local library. The Pentatone stays in my collection due to the bizarre coupling, certainly not for the lackluster symphony. That leaves Mavrinsky, a powerful performance in somewhat antiquated sound, and Ashkenazy on Exton at a super premium price (twice what the BIS recording cost me) for stereo only sound complete with mediocre reviews on this side of the ocean. I know from your review that you think it's excellent but given the circumstances I've not heard it. The 5th has been one of my favorite symphonies since first hearing Bernstein's recording in the late 60's. This new version is as good (and exciting) as that one or any other I've ever heard, and much better recorded into the bargain.

The Ashkenazy is a bit subdued as well compared, for example, to the Previn.

Post by Disbeliever May 25, 2015 (26 of 27)
Euell Neverno said:

The Ashkenazy is a bit subdued as well compared, for example, to the Previn.

What is wrong with the Telarc version ?

Post by Euell Neverno May 26, 2015 (27 of 27)
Disbeliever said:

What is wrong with the Telarc version ?

Even more low voltage.

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