So so so good. I feel like most know Prokofiev for his harsh dissonance but he also has a sweet, lyrical side as evident in this and many other works of his
This is easily my favourite Prokofiev symphony. It has two different endings, a quiet one and a more lively one. Unfortunately, this recording has the quiet ending, which isn't as effective imo.
The quiet ending was his initial one. Some day he replaced it with lively one for to avoid critics for "pessimism". In the end of the day the quiet ending was returned by the most musicians.
The cartoon-like tunes and the fanfare-like toast in the finale express for me irony and sarcasm versus the Stalin world. In between, resignation and melancholy emerge, representing Prokofiev's real feelings in a summary towards the end of his life, which could be symbolized by the use of the xylophone as in a Shostakovich symphony.
My favourite Prokofiev symphony
Prokofief's swan song ------------- one of the most beautiful and nostalgic works in music history, also Shostakovitch's favorite
Thank you! It's magical
Superb
A stellar performance of a wonderful symphony. It should be as well-known as Sibelius’ seventh.
So so so good. I feel like most know Prokofiev for his harsh dissonance but he also has a sweet, lyrical side as evident in this and many other works of his
[00:38] -- 1. Moderato
[09:47] -- 2. Allegretto
[18:21] -- 3. Andante espressivo
[23:56] -- 4. Vivace
Very much neglected, thanks for posting this last, lovely symphony of Prokofiev.
Probably his greatest symphonic work. Just so beautiful.
Should be played more often
This is easily my favourite Prokofiev symphony. It has two different endings, a quiet one and a more lively one. Unfortunately, this recording has the quiet ending, which isn't as effective imo.
The quiet ending was his initial one. Some day he replaced it with lively one for to avoid critics for "pessimism". In the end of the day the quiet ending was returned by the most musicians.
The quiet one is what makes for such a great ending.
The cartoon-like tunes and the fanfare-like toast in the finale express for me irony and sarcasm versus the Stalin world. In between, resignation and melancholy emerge, representing Prokofiev's real feelings in a summary towards the end of his life, which could be symbolized by the use of the xylophone as in a Shostakovich symphony.
22:40
0:36 is a good place to start.