Prokofiev: Symphony No. 3, Op. 44 & Scythian Suite, Op. 20 Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo & Marin Alsop

• Sergey Prokofiev (1891-1953): Scythian Suite (Ala et Lolly), Op. 20 (1914-15)
• 1 I. L'adoration de Veless et de Ala (The Adoration of Veless and Ala) 06:26
• 2 II. Le dieu ennemi et la danse des esprits noirs (The Enemy God and Dance of the Spirits of Darkness) 02:47
• 3 III. La nuit (Night) 05:58
• 4 IV. Le depart glorieux de Lolly et le cortege du Soleil (The Glorious Departure of Lolly and the Procession of the Sun) 05:14
• Autumn – Symphonic Sketch, Op. 8 (1910, rev. 1915, 1934)
• 5 Autumnal Sketch, Op. 8 06:35
• Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Op. 44 (1928)
• 6 I. Moderato 12:58
• 7 II. Andante 07:01
• 8 III. Allegro agitato - Allegretto 08:09
• 9 IV. Andante mosso - Allegro moderato 06:19
• Total Runtime 01:01:27

Info for Prokofiev: Symphony No. 3, Op. 44 & Scythian Suite, Op. 20

This fourth volume in Marin Alsop’s acclaimed Prokofiev symphonic cycle features two of his most viscerally exciting works. Using material salvaged from his opera The Fiery Angel, the Third Symphony was hailed by Serge Koussevitzky at its 1929 première as ‘the best symphony since Tchaikovsky’s Sixth’. Originally commissioned as a ballet by Sergey Dyagilev but rejected as un-danceable, the Scythian Suite has become a popular orchestral showpiece, while Prokofiev retained a lifelong fondness for his dark-hued early symphonic sketch Autumn.

Judging by the response to the previous volumes of this fruitful partnership with Marin Alsop and the excellent São Paulo Symphony Orchestra this new release will have no problems in becoming a market leader. The First and Second Symphonies disc (8573353) was an Allmusic.com ‘Editor’s Choice’ for its “first-rate performance”, and the Fifth Symphony was described as “an outstanding achievement” by BBC Music Magazine, which also regarded the Fourth Symphony (8.573186) as “compelling”. The Blu-ray releases have also been widely acclaimed, with NBD0031 made Audiophile Audition ‘Best Disc of the Year’ in 2012, and prompting BBC Music Magazine to write, “this exceptional account of Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony is partnered by a revelatory performance of The Year 1941, while the recording bursts out of the speakers.”

“Alsop has the measure of the symphony’s structure, dramatic pacing and emotional content, drawing a bright sound from the São Paulo players, goading them into firm rhythmic propulsion and drawing out rich strands of string sound seasoned with the acerbic harmonies and instrumental clashes that lend the symphony such a powerful impulse.” (The Telegraph, UK)

São Paulo Symphony Orchestra
Marin Alsop, conductor

No biography found.

Booklet for Prokofiev: Symphony No. 3, Op. 44 & Scythian Suite, Op. 20