Search - Sergey Prokofiev, Theodore Kuchar, National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine :: Prokofiev: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 7

Bargain Prokofiev

Joshua Grasso | Oxford, OH USA | 11/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"True, these might not be the absolute "best" performances of Prokofiev's Third and Seventh (that honor would probably go to Neeme Jarvi); nevertheless, they are exciting, passionate performances of two little performed works in the Prokofiev cycle. The Third is arguably the best of his earlier symphonies, existing in its own mystical, abrasive sound world, though not without moments of deep introspection. The Seventh, on the other hand, inhabits the fairy tale atmosphere of Cinderella, with elegant waltz rhythms and ravishing melodies
(particularly the opening of the first movement). This is a wonderful way to discover both works and will easily tempt you to other recordings in Kuchar's cycle--such as Prokofiev's Fourth and Second symphonies. I highly recommend this work, even if it is slightly lacking in sound quality (even so, Prokofiev's genius easily shines through)."

A great performance indeed!!!!

P. Alvarez | Killeen, Texas United States | 06/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"True, Kuchar is not Jarvi, of course, nobody is someone else therefore, to compare Kuchar with Jarvi, or any conductor to another is not fair. Kuchar and the Ukranians do a wonderfull job with both symphonies, this recording is clear and crisp and at the naxos price, it beats all recordings...."