Search - Sergey Prokofiev, Neeme Järvi, Scottish National Orchestra :: Prokofiev: Sinfonietta; Sinfonia Concertante; Divertimento

Another must-own for admirers of Prokofiev.

Eric S. Kim | Southern California | 10/16/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Even though he isn't my all-time favorite Russian composer, Sergei Prokofiev is still one of the greatest composers of the 20th Century. He has created some magnificent music in his entire music career: Ivan the Terrible, Peter & The Wolf, Romeo & Juliet, Alexander Nevsky, and the 5 Piano Concertos quickly come to mind. However, the general public has overlooked some of his other works, most of which have been almost entirely neglected. The three works featured on this Chandos CD are just a few that have failed to become world-famous. Divertimento, Sinfonia Concertante (Symphony Concerto), and Sinfonietta are rarely performed in numerous concert halls, and I just can't see the logic in that. These have to be some of Prokofiev's finest compositions. Divertimento borrows many neo-classical elements, but the musical style itself is still his own. Sinfonia Concertante is basically a revision of his own Cello Concerto, which he composed almost 20 years before this piece. I won't be able to describe the similarities between the two since I haven't heard the Cello Concerto yet as of this moment, but I'm sure both are equally brilliant. The Sinfonietta also has some neo-classical touches, but what really makes this more than just music is the typical Prokofiev modernism that conquers it. One can be reminded of the Classical Symphony when hearing it carefully: the style and harmonies have be absolute proof of that. Unlike the first symphony, though, the Sinfonietta is performed even less. I'm sure that people will have an undeniable pleasure while having a listen to this 20-minute piece, if they won't make any comparisons.



Estonian-born Neeme Jarvi never ceases to amaze me. He handles all three pieces with no hesitations, giving each of them an equal balance between liveliness and lyricism. He especially pays close attention to the dynamics and the overall flow, which become two important aspects to both Sinfonia and Sinfonietta. This is first-rate conducting. The Scottish National Orchestra performs flawlessly. Every player never misses a step, and the overall sound of the orchestra is incredibly clear (thanks to the acoustics), and is a definite must-hear. Rafael Wallfisch is a marvel when he plays the cello during Sinfonia: he plays with sheer emotion and with excellent technique. The sound quality from Chandos is typical: it's top-notch, almost as equal to the quality that you get from Decca and RCA."