Search - Prokofiev, Kosler, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra :: Symphonies

Solid, Unsentimental Performances

T. Beers | Arlington, Virginia United States | 01/03/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Kosler does a nice job pacing these symphonies which really flow along without a trace of pomposity (read: Leonard Bernstein's ridiculously lugubrious Sony recordings of the 5th). On the other hand, the element of menace that I hear shot through Prokofieff's gorgeous instrumental textures is almost completely missing, and that's a major debit. The Czech Philharmonic is one of the world's great orchestras, but they don't play with a great deal of joy or confidence here .... maybe not too surprising, given how often they must have been force-fed Soviet music during the Iron Curtain days. Still, you'd think they'd know the music better. Kosler's performances are better than Ozawa's surprisingly lacklustre set on DG. But Neeme Jarvi's set on Chandos is better than either, and he gives you both versions of Symphony 4 (Kosler & Ozawa offer only the 1947 second version). Admirers of the unique sound of the Czech Philharmonic probably won't be too disappointed by this Supraphon production, and sound quality is pretty good. (But again, Jarvi on Chandos outpoints it in the technical department.) Stick with Jarvi, unless you collect Prokofieff and are looking for an interesting alternative."