Search - Sergei Prokofiev, Gennadi Rozhdestvensky, USSR Radio & TV Symphony Orchestra :: Prokofiev: Cinderella, complete ballet music Op. 87 (2 CD Set)

Essential for Prokofiev Fans

Sugi Sorensen | La Canada, CA USA | 07/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although this is Prokofiev's second most popular ballet (next to 'Romeo and Juliet'), the complete ballet has been rarely recorded on LP or disc, the most famous being Andre Previn with the LSO, Ashkenazy with the Cleveland (recently re-released), and Pletnev's much heralded 1995 release w/ the Russian National Orchestra on DGG. Rozhdestvensky eclipses them all by a wide margin. Tempos are generally brisk. He accentuates the dark passages lurking within, adding dramatic tension in passages lacking in the other recordings. And his lines are stunning at times. Consider Previn's more popular account by comparison -- it is downright moribund and sluggish.The orchestral suite from 'The Steel Step' is also excellent. It offers a glimpse into Prokofiev when he tried to write a ballet on Soviet themes at the behest of Sergei Diaghilev. It is a monotonous, steely, dissonant work, but vividly brought to life by Rozhdestvensky's expert conducting.The only criticism of this title is the recording quality -- the liner notes do not indicate when it was actually recorded although it is likely from the 60s or 70s. As a result, aural defects typical of Soviet recording equipment of the period can be heard, namely shrill brass and tinny violins in the upper treble regions. However, this should not detract from the musicality of these recordings."

By far the very best recording

Sugi Sorensen | 09/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rozhdestvensky's is by far the very best recording of Prokofiev's neglected ballet masterpiece. Neither Previn's nor Pletnev's comes anywhere near it."