Sergei Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet: Classic Library Series" is a captivating orchestral journey through the timeless tragedy of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers. Released on April 16, 2004, under the RCA Red Seal label, this album presents a meticulously curated selection of excerpts from Prokofiev's Op. 64 ballet score, offering a rich and immersive experience of the composer's neoclassical masterpiece.
Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes, the album features a series of vivid and evocative musical scenes that bring the dramatic narrative of Romeo and Juliet to life. From the stirring "Introduction" to the poignant "Balcony Scene" and the intense "Duel," each track is a testament to Prokofiev's genius for blending lyrical melodies with rhythmic complexity and harmonic innovation.
The album showcases Prokofiev's ability to convey a wide range of emotions and characters through music, from the playful "Folk Dance" to the somber "Juliet's Funeral." The orchestration is rich and dynamic, highlighting the full spectrum of the orchestra's capabilities and providing a rich listening experience.
This recording is a must-listen for fans of classical and neoclassical music, as well as for those who appreciate the art of storytelling through orchestral composition. Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet" remains a cornerstone of the classical repertoire, and this album offers a compelling and accessible introduction to its enduring beauty.
(P) 2004 BMG Music
Tracks
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 1, IntroductionSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 2, RomeoSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 3, The Street AwakensSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 5, The QuarrelSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 6, The FightSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 7, The Duke's CommandSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 8, InterludeSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 9, Preparing for the Ball (Juliet and the Nurse)Sergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 10, Young JulietSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 11, Arrival of the GuestsSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 13, Dance of the KnightsSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 15, MercutioSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 16, MadrigalSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 18, GavotteSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 19, Balcony SceneSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 37, IntroductionSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 22, Folk DanceSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 25, Dance with MandolinsSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 30, Public MerrymakingSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 32, The Meeting of Tybalt and MercutioSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 33, The DuelSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 35, Romeo Decides to Avenge MercutioSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 36, Finale. Death of TybaltSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 38, Romeo and Juliet (Juliet's bedroom)Sergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 39, Romeo and Juliet at PartingSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 43, InterludeSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 47, Juliet AloneSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 51, Juliet's FuneralSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64 (Excerpts): No. 52, Juliet's DeathSergei Prokofiev, Michael Tilson Thomas, San Francisco Symphony
Vinylscout
