Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Sergei Prokofiev's "Pittoresco" - Classical Masterpieces, a meticulously curated collection of his most enchanting compositions. Released on November 30, 2024, under the UME - Global Clearing House label, this album spans a generous 2 hours and 18 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of classical and neoclassical orchestral works that showcase Prokofiev's unparalleled genius.
From the delicate intricacies of "Visions Fugitives" to the grandeur of "The Firebird" Suite, this album is a testament to Prokofiev's versatility and innovation. Each track, from the ethereal "Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy" to the stirring "Romeo and Juliet" Fantasy Overture, is a masterclass in composition, demonstrating Prokofiev's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and atmospheres.
The album features a diverse array of pieces, including excerpts from his iconic ballets "Swan Lake," "The Sleeping Beauty," and "The Nutcracker," as well as selections from his lesser-known but equally captivating works like "Aphorisms" and "Pictures at an Exhibition." The inclusion of pieces from his film scores, such as "The Gadfly" and "The Counterplan," adds a unique dimension to the collection, highlighting Prokofiev's ability to blend classical traditions with modern influences.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Prokofiev's work, "Pittoresco" - Classical Masterpieces offers a compelling exploration of one of the 20th century's most influential composers. This album is not just a compilation of tracks; it's a journey through Prokofiev's musical evolution, showcasing his ability to blend lyrical melodies with rhythmic complexity and harmonic innovation. Prepare to be captivated by the sheer beauty and brilliance of Prokofiev's compositions, as this album brings his timeless masterpieces to life.
Pictures at an Exhibition (Orch. by Maurice Ravel): 3. Promenade. Moderato commodo assai e con delicatezzaModest Mussorgsky, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Edo de Waart
The Nutcracker (Suite), Op. 71a, TH 35: 2b. Dance of the Sugar-Plum FairyPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Zubin Mehta
Visions Fugitives, Op. 22: 12. Assai moderatoSergei Prokofiev, Olli Mustonen
The Firebird - Suite (1919): 7. FinaleIgor Stravinsky, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Eduard van Beinum
Histoire du soldat - Part 1: 7. Musique de la deuxième scèneIgor Stravinsky, Ulysse Delécluse, Henri Helaerts, Maurice André, Roland Schnorkh, Charles Peschier, Manoug Parikian, Joachim Gut, Igor Markevitch
50 Russian Folk Songs, TH 176: 35. O My Heart, My Heavy HeartPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Valentina Lisitsa, Alexei Kuznetsoff
Preludes and Fugues for Piano, Op. 87: Prelude & Fugue No. 20 in C minor: PreludeDmitri Shostakovich, Caroline Weichert
Romeo and Juliet, Fantasy Overture - TH.42: Romeo and Juliet, Fantasy Overture, TH 42, Love ThemePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Wiener Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
String Quartet No. 8 in C minor, Op. 110: 1. LargoDmitri Shostakovich, Fitzwilliam Quartet
Twenty-Four Preludes, Op. 34: No. 12 in G sharp minor - Allegro non troppoDmitri Shostakovich, Caroline Weichert
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64, Act I: No. 1, IntroductionSergei Prokofiev, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Charles Dutoit
Souvenir d'un lieu cher, Op. 42 (Arr. Lascae for Violin & String Orchestra): III. MélodiePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Janine Jansen, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Daniel Harding
Siren: Lilacs, Op. 21, No. 5Sergei Rachmaninoff, Vladimir Ashkenazy
Serenade for Strings, Op. 48: II. Waltz. ModeratoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Tales of an Old Grandmother, Op. 31: IV. SostenutoSergei Prokofiev, Andor Foldes
The Firebird (L'oiseau de feu) - Suite (1919): FinaleIgor Stravinsky, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire, Pierre Monteux
The Firebird, K10: XVII. Berceuse (The Firebird)Igor Stravinsky, London Symphony Orchestra, Antal Doráti
Swan Lake, Op. 20 (Mariinsky Version), Act I: No. 14, Final Scene. ModeratoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev