Prokofiev: Scythian Suite; Alexander Nevsky.(Sound Recording Review)

[] Borodina; Kirov Orchestra and Chorus, Gergiev. Transliteration and translation. Philips 289 473 600-2

Gergiev conducting Prokofiev with the Kirov on Philips remains a potent combination. The latest evidence is a new recording of the Alexander Nevsky cantata, which Prokofiev adapted from his score to the Sergei Eisenstein film, coupled with the early, barbaric Scythian Suite, Prokofiev's response to The Rite of Spring.

Even Gergiev's critics acknowledge that he can whip up a frenzy and generate unadulterated excitement better than just about anyone, especially with his hometown forces and in Russian repertoire. Yet here, he distinguishes himself equally through his clarity of conception and attention to orchestral detail. The tempo of the first movement of the Scythian Suite is among the slowest I've ever heard in this work, and the resulting power is astonishing. k sounds like a huge wild beast thrashing around, trying to escape captivity. The thundering ostinato at the beginning of the second movement is especially snarling and menacing. Low brass are favored, here and throughout the recording, to magnificent effect. (Give that bass trombone player a raise!) The night sky at the beginning of the third movement sparkles and glows with particular incandescence, and I'm even willing to forgive some imprecise intonation as the ...