Classic Library - Prokofiev: Symphonies No 1 & 5, Lieutenant Kijé Suite
Sony Masterworks
CD
$11.98Oct 12, 2004
Yuri Temirkanov makes Prokofiev's well-worn Classical Symphony sound invitingly fresh through his swift tempos and painstaking observance of rhythm, accent, and dynamic contrast. The outer movements proceed with a breezy playfulness, while the larghetto and gavotte exude 18th-century elegance. The Lieutenant Kijé Suite is similarly accomplished as Temirkanov evokes the work's contrasting moods while nicely capturing its folk atmosphere, especially in the Troika.
Temirkanov doesn't really break any new ground in the Fifth Symphony, but his rendition nonetheless is impressive for its flowing tempos and sense of drama, especially at the close of the first movement with its phalanx of brass and percussion. Temirkanov uncovers some of the score's inner details, such as the usually inaudible piano part in the first and third movements. But the real star here is the St. Petersburg Philharmonic, whose bold brass, lively winds, and sumptuous strings (in the Adagio especially) make this one of the better versions on disc. With such fine performances, it's unfortunate that RCA's acoustically dry recording drains the sound of warmth, while the low levels require you to crank up the volume--but then, watch out for those big climaxes in the symphony! --Victor Carr Jr, ClassicsToday.com
Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake Suite; Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances / Temirkanov
Signum Classics
CD
$19.99Jan 01, 2011
Signum’s fourth disc with the St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra continues their series of the great core Russian repertoire. Featuring the Orchestral suite of one of Tchaikovsky’s most famous ballets Swan Lake, complemented with Rachmaniov’s final composition Symphonic Dances.
This recording follows the St Petersberg Philharmonic’s 2010 releases of Verdi’s Requiem (SIGCD184), Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7 "Leningrad" (SIGCD194) and Prokofiev’s Cinderella and Romeo & Juliet Orchestral Suites (SIGCD214).
“This is a full-blooded performance of Verdi?s late work … Full marks for passion” The Telegraph, January 2010
“Temirkanov is good, noble and intense, gripping our attention with Shostakovich?s sustained lines.” Musicweb-International, June 2010
Volume 1 of this three volume set recorded at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees in Paris with Yuri Temirkanov conducting the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra includes Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23 (1875) with acclaimed soloist Denis Matsuev, and Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36 (1878).
In the wake of the beloved Russian baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky's untimely passing in November 2017, tributes, memorials and musical event dedications have flowed non-stop. But none thus far has matched the sheer scope, power and sonic splendor of this all-Russian performance of Verdi's blockbuster Requiem Mass. The all-star cast of soloists- soprano Dinara Alieva, mezzo-soprano Olesya Petrova, tenor Francesco Meli and bass Dmitry Belosselsky- sing their hears out for Dmitri, under the baton of the vaunted Maestro Yuri Temirkanov leading the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra and the Bolshoi Theater Chorus. The result is an incredibly heartfelt and moving musical tribute to one of the greatest baritones who has ever lived.
