Prokofiev Symphonies No 7 & No 5 - Jean Martinon conducts the Paris Conservatoire Orchestra
Title: Prokofiev Symphonies No 7 & No 5
Artist(s): Paris Conservatoire Orchestra - Conductor Jean Martinon
Recording Info:
Recorded by Decca October & November 1957 at the La Maison de la Mutualité, Paris
Producer: Michael Williamson Engineer: Ken Cress
Symphony No. 7, Op. 131
1 Moderato 9:47
2 Allegretto 7:27
3 Andante Espressivo 5:47
4 Vivace 8:03
Symphony No. 5 In B Flat, Op. 100
1 Andante 11:47
2 Allegro Marcato 7:47
3 Adagio 10:50
4 Allegro Giocoso 9:30
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Sounds great with equalization.
I found the recording harsh and bass shy on first listening. However, equalizing it with the Schiit Loki, compensating for these blemishes, the performance came alive with rich and vivid sound. Wonderful rendering!
Sharply Incisive Prokofiev Performances, Well Transferred
Another unqualified success from HDTT ... I was disappointed by previous CD realizations of these lean and dramatic Prokofiev performances (on Testament and Decca) because they over-emphasized the treble end of the spectrum to the detriment of a very full and present mid-range I recall from my RCA Lp of the Fifth Symphony. (Although recorded by British Decca, RCA owned the USA release rights until the mid 1960s). HDTT's transfer from tape sources corrects that deficiency and is otherwise better than anyone has any right to expect from recordings that are now over 60 years old. I disagree with the other reviewer's 'Mixed Bag' judgment about the performances as well. Martinon delivers briskly to-the-point dramatic performances that pay full attention to Prokofiev's achievement without wallowing in over-the-top emotionalism. And while the Paris Conservatoire Orchestra's no Berlin Philharmonic, and that's all to the good in this repertoire; its lean and acerbic tonal qualities (complete with slightly 'sour' brass) match the style of Russian orchestras of Prokofiev's day to a fare thee well. In other words, if you're looking for a warmly opulent sound appropriate for 19th century German music, look elsewhere. As for me, I am delighted to welcome these thoroughly fresh and idiomatic performances (my favorite of the Fifth Symphony) back in sound quality that finally does justice to Martinon's superb achievement.
Very mixed bag
This compilation has three things going for it- 1) it’s great value for money, offering two shaded dogs – LSC 2272 and 2288 – and over 70 minutes of music 2) the recordings from the late 50s are of some historic interest and 3) there are two major Prokofiev symphonies on offer, one great and one not so. However, in other respects, it disappoints. The recordings are from Decca, but from nowhere near their A-Team folk. The results are somewhat flat, scrawny and lacking dynamics. As a result, the massive climaxes of #5 are cruelly ducked. Performance-wise, 7 is rather good, and this brings out a rather appealing melancholic streak; however, all is lost when the appalling tacked-on commissar-approved happy ending is included – this is about as fake as a 3-dollar bill. And 5 sounds rather rushed, with the PCO clearly under some strain at points. Seek ye elsewhere.
Prokofiev Sys 7 5
Great remastering. I found the 7th particularly special. It connected with me more than any other recording I have heard.
Prokofiev Sys 7 & 5
Great remastering. I found the 7th particularly special. It connected with me more than any other recording I have heard.
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