Prokofieff Romeo and Juliet

[tubajon]

What's a great recording available to buy in CD? Preferably two different styles.

[happyroman]

Andre Previn with the LSO and John Fletcher and Maazel with Cleveland and Ron Bishop are two of the first recordings of the complete ballet, and are both excellent, IMO. They should also be at reduced prices due to their age.

[bisontuba]

Leinsdorf/Boston Symphony --Chester on his Alex....the best, period..

[EdFirth]

+1

[hup_d_dup]

I have a number of recordings of this work (not sure how many) but there are two in particular that I would recommend. The first is Claudio Abbado conducting Berlin. This is a unique version in that Abbado assembled the work by selecting from the three suites as well as the complete ballet to construct a symphonic work that follows the narrative of the story. Superbly interpreted and performed.

The other is Karl Ancerl conducting the Czech Philharmonic. This also is a fine performance but is notable for an extraordinary rendition of the Death of Tybalt, the excitement of which is surely is unparalleled. Ancerl pushed the orchestra to its limit but it didn't crack. Amazing and inspired.

A third recording – which is not orchestral but still noteworthy – is a british brass band version performed by the Eikanger-Bjorsvik Brass Band of Norway. Some fine brass work here and wonderful coloration as the brass instruments interpret the woodwind and string parts.

Hup

[Billy M.]

Leinsdorf/Boston Symphony --Chester on his Alex....the best, period..

I agree with that sentiment based on that recording not being the full ballet. It is truly amazing.

If you want to hear the full ballet, Previn with LSO or Maazel with Cleveland are definitely worth hearing. Absolutely phenomenal recordings in their own right.

[Ken Crawford]

I will be playing this on the 23rd. This will then be the best recording available. I could probably get you a copy.

[mbeastep]

I have always been partial to the Maazel/ Cleveland/Bishop recording of the complete music, even though the tuba is not as present as in the Previn/LSO/Fletcher one. On web radio (WFMT Chicago) I have heard a suite recorded by CSO/Abbado/Porkorny in 2013 that sounds great. Unfortunately, for some reason the CSO store refuses to ship the CD to Canada. I haven't heard the Boston recording with Schmidt, but I don't doubt that it is sensational.

mbeastep