BaL 21.09.19/21.3.20 - Prokofiev: Symphony no. 1 "Classical"

[Bryn]

However, that assessment is not shared by the author of the write-up on the relevant QOBUZ page: "Except a thick and muscle-bound Classical Symphony, Temirkanov is in top form on this Prokofiev disc."

[edashtav]

I feel that Marina's choice of Temirkanov can be defended because he creates a very Russian sounding symphony. He and his players characterise themes and episodes in a manner that enhances the work's stature. He doesn't aim for a uniform, chrome-plated virtuosic interpretation but, instead, he brings out quirky, meaningful detail that is often absent from the versions of rivals. His vision is imbued with peasant earthiness and sounds as if Temirkanov may have listened to Prokofiev's piano recording of the Gavotte. I've listened to a live recording that he made in St Petersburg in around 2012 that's on Youtube and, I feel, that, too, displays the virtues of his thoughtful approach:

https://youtu.be/gOXI8jSp358

[Oakapple]

I have a CD of a live performance by Temirkanov and the Leningrad PO made in 1990. I prefer it to that Youtube one made 22 years later which sounds too fast for my tastes. For example, he finishes the first movement in 3:44, whereas in 1990 he took 4:09. I think it is too easy to make this symphony sound rushed so two of my favourite versions are Ozawa with the Berlin Phil (he builds up to the climax in the first movement beautifully) and Sargent with the LSO.

The Solti one is the first CD I ever bought. The players are on excellent form but I've never loved it, maybe because of the early digital sound.

[edashtav]

I have a CD of a live performance by Temirkanov and the Leningrad PO made in 1990. I prefer it to that Youtube one made 22 years later which sounds too fast for my tastes. For example, he finishes the first movement in 3:44, whereas in 1990 he took 4:09. I think it is too easy to make this symphony sound rushed so two of my favourite versions are Ozawa with the Berlin Phil (he builds up to the climax in the first movement beautifully) and Sargent with the LSO.

The Solti one is the first CD I ever bought. The players are on excellent form but I've never loved it, maybe because of the early digital sound.

I don't know 'your' Temirkanov recording, oak-apple, but it does sound superior to his youtube version which is marred by excessive haste in its first movement. I feel that the piece as a whole is better when not treated as a trivial vehicle for virtuosity - an attitude that has become normalised. It is not a forerunner of John Adams' Short Ride in a Fast Machine. It is sly, full of classical 'naughtiness', replete with Russian references and a work that screams out for details to be relished by conductor, orchestra and audience. At his best, Yuri 'bears all'. At the moment, he's not only Marina's favourite but mine, too.

[Oakapple]

I don't know 'your' Temirkanov recording, oak-apple...

It's on the Leningrad Masters label LM 1317, coupled with the 5th symphony. Those CDs tended to be found in the sort of shops that sell publishers' book remainders at discount prices and I remember it was very cheap. As for Russian references, apparently the second subject of the last movement, which some people have mentioned here, is taken from Rimsky-Korsakov's The Snow Maiden.

[edashtav]

It's on the Leningrad Masters label LM 1317, coupled with the 5th symphony. Those CDs tended to be found in the sort of shops that sell publishers' book remainders at discount prices and I remember it was very cheap. As for Russian references, apparently the second subject of the last movement, which some people have mentioned here, is taken from Rimsky-Korsakov's The Snow Maiden.

Yes, The Snow Maiden made a deep impact on Young Prokofiev when he heard it in 1904 and it does seem that the Snow Maiden's opening Act 1 Arioso was in his mind when composing the second version of the Classical Symphony's Finale. It's probable that Rimsky-Korsakov had a Russian folksong in mind, so the 'Russian' roots that help to colour Prokofiev's Classical Symphony are firm and deep.

[kernelbogey]

This* is now abandoned and will be replaced by a repeat of Prokofiev's Classical Symphony. A curious choice given the falling out between McGregor and Marina Frolova-Walker during the discussion. And why repeat any edition of BAL, just play longer extracts of pieces from the remainder of the program ?

I take it this is what we have today?

[* Tchaikovsky: Eugene Onegin]

[Goon525]

Yes. Amazingly Temirkanov won again.

[Bryn]

Yes. Amazingly Temirkanov won again.

Déjà vu again, eh?

9.30am – Building a Library – Marina Frolova-Walker on Prokofiev’s Symphony No.1 ‘Classical’ (NOTE: this is a repeat; it was first broadcast on 21 September 2019)

[ardcarp]

Do we dare hope next week's BAL will be prepared at home, recorded and broadcast without, er, help? Silver lining and all that.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Do we dare hope next week's BAL will be prepared at home, recorded and broadcast without, er, help? Silver lining and all that.

Next week it should have been Mozart’s Great C minor Mass, but this has also been set aside for another BaL repeat. You might think common sense would prevail, but when was the last time the BBC admitted making a mistake?

[Bryn]

Do we dare hope next week's BAL will be prepared at home, recorded and broadcast without, er, help? Silver lining and all that.

No. It was already announced as a repeat of BWV 1042.

[Nick Armstrong]

Yes. Amazingly Temirkanov won again.

[Darloboy]

No. It was already announced as a repeat of BWV 1042.

However, the following week is currently showing as Schumann 3 reviewed by M F-W which I don't think is a repeat.

[Darloboy]

However, the following week is currently showing as Schumann 3 reviewed by M F-W which I don't think is a repeat.

Spoke too soon: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000h06h