An excellent performance and recording of new works...
10/20/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Jarvi and the Philharmonia have another winner with this one, especially the War and Peace and the Summer Night pieces. The opening of this CD is quite simply spectacular, with the opening cymbal-clash/trumpet-volley spine-tinglingly clear. Jarvi goes on to do Palmer's arrangement of Prokofiev's opera proud, and the op. 123 suite from "the Duenna" is just as beautifully done, with Jarvi coaxing some incredibly sensuous sounds out of the Philharmonia in the fourth section of the suite, "Dreams." The Russian Overture is not quite as interesting melodically, but Jarvi and his orchestra obviously enjoy playing it and they make the most of its often discursive structure. The recording is, once again, in the demonstration bracket, and the performances are superb. This CD is a must-buy for any Prokofiev (or hi-fi) fan."