Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Op. 44
Symphony No. 7 in C sharp minor, Op. 131
This is the first release in a survey of all seven Prokofiev Symphonies from Kirill Karabits and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Karabits has had access to the Prokofiev family archive and throughout this project there will be quite a few surprises, such as music from the early Symphony in G of 1902 and works such as 'Dreams' Op. 6, 'Autumnal Sketch' Op. 8 and 'Two Poems for orchestra and Women’s Chorus' Op. 7, as well as the 'Sinfonia Concertante' for cello & orchestra. Each CD booklet contains an interview with Karabits in conversation with Prokofiev expert Daniel Jaffé.
The 3rd Symphony makes extensive use of music from the opera 'The Fiery Angel'. It was premiered in 1929 under Pierre Monteux and is vividly colourful, sensual and exciting. The 7th dates from 1952, the year before the composer’s death. Intended as a work for young people, it is beautiful, yet enigmatic and reflective, harking back to the great ballet scores. Prokofiev provided an alternative ‘upbeat’ conventional ending to the symphony at the request of colleagues so as not to provoke criticism from the Soviet authorities. This alternative finale can be heard after the 7th symphony on this CD. Today the work is always performed with the peaceful ‘leave taking’ ending that the composer preferred.
“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 Bournemouth Orchestra can hold its head high in the most august company. These two performances are terrific.” MusicWeb International
