Search - Sergey Prokofiev, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra :: Prokofiev: Romeo & Juliet

Passion, Drama, Elegance

Karl Henning | Boston, MA | 10/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Despite a string of disappointments in his efforts to realize stage-works, Prokofiev had an acute and life-long affinity for the stage which shows in the excellence of his ballets and operas. His catalogue here is so deep, that it is easy enough to point to imperfections here and there -- but "Romeo & Juliet" is one of his few perfect stage works. His sense of musical characterization here is second to none in the twentieth century; his sense of the right music for the scene is here unrivalled, even by Stravinsky (for Igor Fyodorovich generally worked best with abstract, generalized choreographic scenarios). "Romeo & Juliet" is a full evening ballet in the grand Russian tradition (as opposed to the 'miniaturized' ballet format popularized by Dyagilev's Russian Seasons in Paris); and part of Prokofiev's impressive achievement is the focus and continuity in this enormous score -- there is simply not a dull moment. The music works well as "independent listening" (which is the first manner in which I heard it), but it is supremely suited to the stage action for which it was designed (we saw a fine performance of the ballet at the Maly Theatre in St Petersburg). The BSO is at its best here, the strings both competent and warm, the brass full, round and glorious, the woodwinds in impeccable intonation. If you thought Prokofiev was basically "Peter & the Wolf," the "Classical Symphony" and the March from "The Love for Three Oranges," this is a score to open your ears to the wider riches of Prokofiev's oeuvre."

Simply the best

Mr. Allan K. Steel | Sydney, AUS | 10/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have several full recordings of this wonderful ballet. Ashkenazy, Maazel and Previn are all very good. Gergiev is OK.



But this is certainly my favourite recording. The sound quality and orchestral performance are just superb. The conducting is excellent, too. The fun elements are brought out with so much zest and orchestral detail.



The brass interlude in Act I between the fight and the Ball is so wonderfully funny in this recording: the brass dissonance is highlighted so well. No other recording approaches it for things like this.



So in summary, a superb recording of an absolutely wonderful piece."

The best recording of this I've heard

madamemusico | Cincinnati, Ohio USA | 04/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...though, I admit, I have only heard three others, the Gergiev, Dutoit and Tilson Thomas, though these are usually toured as the best. Ozawa has a particular affinity for offbeat music, i.e. Berlioz, Schoenberg and Prokofiev, as this disc amply proves. The sweep, grandeur, feeling and humor of the performance are irresistable.



In listening to the entire score again, however, I noticed that three or four little themes were rather "beaten to death" by Prokofiev; but overall, this is his ballet masterpiece.



Highly recommended."