Search - Sergey Prokofiev, Gianandrea Noseda, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra :: Prokofiev: The Stone Flower

An Underrated Work

Alexander K. Naylor | 02/21/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When I first read of The Stone Flower it was described as an "abstract" ballet. Although its plotline is a little odd, it is in the tradition of Russian national romanticism, and though it is not innovative like Prokofiev's earlier work it is still pleasing enough to listen to. The ballet's emotional theme is a bit sentimental, but overall I believe that Prokofiev's last work has been underrated. The "Swan" melody from Ivan the Terrible has been well-altered for this work, and the bits from "Summer Day" also fit well into the ensemble. There are arresting original themes, too, such as that of the Mistress of Copper Mountain, the Dance of the Russian Jewels, and the Ural Rhapsody. The ballet's music does get repetitive near the end, so though it is not Prokofiev's best work it is still a fine piece."

A Glorious Score

G. Moore | 01/30/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After years of being entranced by segments of the score on some obsecure recording lable, I finally came across this full length recording and became completely overwhelmed: I was in love with the score. Several years later I had the opportunity to choreograph and design a new production of Stone Flower. During the creative time I reallized that one cannot listen to the score as only an accompaniment to a story-ballet. No, it is far more than that; it is the musical evocation of the composers deep and abiding love of his country. Prokofiev has exposed every aspect of who he is in this remarkable work: from the earthy, rhythmical folk sections, to the wonderment he would have experienced were he to enter the realm of the Mistress of the Copper Mountain, every note, every theme, is pure. On the surface the story seems quite elemental, however, it is far more than that: it is the story of artistic sacrifice and an examination of what love truly is. The Stone Flower is Prokofiev's "lost work" - no one knows it! It should be elevated into the pantheon of standards. Unfortunately, the only version anyone has seen is that lumbering Bolshoi production that is laughable at best. Were a choreographer of the calibre of a Nummeier or Killiam, someone not casting glances back to the Communist era, to get the vision of this work, then something truly remarkable could happen."