Prokofiev: Romeo & Juliet

An Accidental Purchase-But One of the Best I've Ever Made!

     

I received this album by chance, having clicked on the 'Buy Album' button purely by mistake, and before I knew it, the entire album was downloaded to my library. Initially I was put out, as I already had recording of Romeo and Juliet, by André Previn and the London Symphony Orchestra, but this one has proven to be, in my opinion, the better of the two.

The LSO's playing is brilliant, and Gergiev's conducting is nothing short of inspired. His pacing may be considered too speedy for some, but I find it suits the breakneck pace of the original drama and is often easier to listen to then Previn's-whose pacing occasionally sounds plodding or sluggish. (listen to the 'Dance of the Knights' on both recordings to see what I mean)

That said, both conductors bring a great deal of care to the piece. Previn conducts with flair and passion, and directs the music as one would expect to hear onstage. Gergiev, however, has an instinctive mastery of the score that highlights the piece's deep, quintessentially Russian emotions, and brings to light subtle nuances which Previn overlooks, (a trait which is at its most apparent in Act III).

Finally, the Digital Booklet attached to this recording gives a welcome insight into the score, the orchestra, and its conductor.