Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Kirill Karabits – Prokofiev: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 7 (2014) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Kirill Karabits – Prokofiev: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 7 (2014)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 01:05:05 minutes | 1,15 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Digital Booklet, Front Cover | © PM Classics – Onyx

Kirill Karabits and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra embark on a fascinating journey through the seven Prokofiev symphonies, and will explore some rare works from the composer’s early years that help chart his symphonic development. On this first album of the cycle the rarely performed alternative ending for the Seventh Symphony can be heard.

The seven symphonies of Sergey Prokofiev vary in popularity, and only the Symphony No. 1, “Classical” and the Symphony No. 5 are uncontested favorites. Somewhat less loved are the Symphony No. 3 in C minor (based on themes from the opera The Fiery Angel), and the Symphony No. 7 in C sharp minor, the last and possibly least understood of the cycle. These works seem as though they should be embraced by audiences because of their accessible tonality, memorable themes, and vibrantly colored sonorities, yet there has been some resistance to the Third’s acidic dissonances and the Seventh’s quizzical tone, aspects that are supposedly harder for listeners to appreciate. However, both works reward close study, and these live recordings by Kirill Karabits and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are an excellent introduction to these under-performed classics. Karabits is recording the entire cycle for Onyx, and his choice of these symphonies for the first installment suggests that he encourages a reappraisal of Prokofiev’s music, especially of the Third’s attractive scoring and cinematic style, as well as the Seventh’s straightforward development and soaring melodies. This is certainly an intelligent way to open a Prokofiev set, and Karabits adds value by including a recording of the original ending of the Seventh. (The rest of the recordings will feature Prokofiev rarities that are connected to the origins of the symphonies.) This volume is a promising beginning, and it is highly recommended for the exciting performances and exceptional audio quality.

“While conducting Prokofiev’s music, it is impossible not to feel the unique trust the composer grants by leaving a huge part of the interpretation to the performer, rather than demanding that they should illustrate and respect what is notated in the score: I almost feel I am involved in the creative process myself.” (Kirill Karabits)

“Cohesive, dynamic and alert, this is a highly auspicious start to what should be a keenly collected series” (The Telegraph)

“Karabits argues that the Third has a logic of its own, unrelated to the opera, and maintains his case in a truly terrifying yet detailed performance that precariously balances formal tautness with atrocious emotional intensity. The Seventh, he claims, is “a very tragic work”, which is pushing it, though his interpretation is unnervingly bleak.” (The Guardian)

“The rich, dark “Russian” sound and nimble virtuosity he gets from the band are vivid successes of his regime in Bournemouth.” (Sunday Times)

“The Bournemouth Orchestra can hold its head high in the most august company. These two performances are terrific.” (MusicWeb International)

Tracklist:

01. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Kirill Karabits – Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 44: I. Moderato (12:35)
02. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Kirill Karabits – Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 44: II. Andante (06:57)
03. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Kirill Karabits – Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 44: III. Allegro agitato-Allegretto (07:35)
04. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Kirill Karabits – Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 44: IV. Andante mosso-Allegro moderato (06:30)
05. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Kirill Karabits – Symphony No. 7 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: I. Moderato (09:10)
06. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Kirill Karabits – Symphony No. 7 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: II. Allegretto-Allegro (08:03)
07. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Kirill Karabits – Symphony No. 7 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: III. Andante esspressivo (05:16)
08. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Kirill Karabits – Symphony No. 7 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: IV. Vivace-Moderato marcato (08:29)
09. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Kirill Karabits – Symphony No. 7 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 131: IV. Vivace (Alternative ending) (00:27)

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