Sergei Prokofiev : Symphony No. 4 in C major (first version) Op. 47 (1929-30)

Partly based on music from the ballet, The Prodigal Son Op. 46 (1928-29)
I. Andante-Allegro eroico 00:00-06:30
II. Andante tranquillo 06:30-12:25
III. Moderato quasi allegretto 12:25-16:35
IV. Allegro risoluto 16:35-23:05
Performed by the Scottish National Orchestra conducted by Neeme Järvi.

[@maxmerry8470]

Thanks for adding the note about Symphony No 4 being "partly" based on The Prodigal Son because, as I listen early this morning, I scarcely notice Prokofiev's reworking of earlier themes. Yes, they are there but the composition's identity seems to be very much its own thus, somehow, becoming a genuinely separate musical experience, for me at least. I'm particularly fascinated by the incredible second and third movements in which the composer's voice shows remarkable restraint and delicacy of touch. The whole work is a beauty, so absorbing that it seems to be over in the blink of an eye. Jarvi's SNO recordings of the symphonies are world-class, their readings of both versions of the Fourth almost benchmark, "go to" performances.

[@randycunningham7318]

Gorgeous symphony!

[@GaryLachman]

Remarkably robust performance.

[@RanBlakePiano]

Is this the same guy who wrote the fabulous Scythian Suite ? I am very disappointed ...........

[@tvark75]

You are right, I thought the same. This is very well written, professionally orchetrated, fine music, but nothing original. This recording is a special one, I haven’t found any other of this version of the symphony.

[@RusskyVoyennyKorablIdiNakhui]

@@tvark75 "but nothing original"
Have you heard the one about little knowledge being a dangerous thing?

[@tvark75]

It has nothing to do with knowledge. It is an opinion.

[@RusskyVoyennyKorablIdiNakhui]

@@tvark75 Opinion based on a whim is worth nothing. Example: "I have an opinion that the Moon is made of green cheese."

[@BoyevoyKabanStyopa]

@GameChunhyang "don't be so cocky."
With stupid incompetents? Sure I will. I played Prokofiev's complete piano solo music, did you? If you didn't, your opinion is worth zero to me. And so are your statement of fact about Prokofiev.

[@tonyobadinage6647]

Thanks for this (and the 'other' version), Rodders. As Max has said, I think Jarvi's Prokofiev Cycle is top of the league and have missed hearing them. Don't suppose you have access to the others?

[@RoddersClassical]

Morning Tony. I am having a bit of a break from Prokofiev but most of the RSNO recordings of the symphonies can be found in other people's uploads : th-cam.com/video/T320akHWF2k/w-d-xo.html or th-cam.com/video/88ZMwdB0J3c/w-d-xo.html or th-cam.com/video/vEKdv3cT9c0/w-d-xo.html or th-cam.com/video/IiDx9MYucZY/w-d-xo.html