Stone Flower [Original recording remastered]

Amazon.com
The American producer Creed Taylor produced some of the best recordings Antonio Carlos Jobim ever made. Taylor's lush strings, evocative woodwinds, and selection of top-notch jazz musicians were a perfect match for Jobim's spare, bossa nova-flavored compositions. This 1970 recording features Jobim backed by bassist Ron Carter, trombonist Urbie Green, flutist Hubert Law, and soprano saxophonist Joe Farrell. Several classics, such as "Children's Games," the lilting "Tereza My Love," and the two soft samba/swing renditions of Ary Barroso's "Brazil," are lovingly draped in the velvet arrangements of the then-young Brazilian sensation Eumir Deodato. Jobim's dry and achy vocals, along with his acoustic and rarely heard electric-piano playing, add the right sonic seasoning to this delightful disk. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Stone Flower,Ron Carter,Ary Barroso,Antonio Carlos Jobim,Hubert Laws,Antonio Carlos Jobim,Urbie Green,Sony,Bossa Nova,Brazil,Brazilian,Brazilian Jazz,Chamber,Chamber Music,Jazz,Jazz Music,Miscellaneous,Miscellaneous Music,Pop

Average customer rating: Sublime Jobim Maybe the most precious Jobim treasure Mere words just aren't enough... Stone Flower-Also Ran

Stone Flower Ary Barroso , Hubert Laws , Antonio Carlos Jobim , and Urbie Green Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Brazil | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Bossa Nova | Latin Music | Styles | Music Brazilian Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Latin General | Latin Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Latin General | Latin Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Wave Tide Elis & Tom Getz/Gilberto Jazz Samba ASIN: B0000630CR Release Date: 2002-03-05

Tracks:

1. Tereza My Love
2. Children's Games
3. Choro
4. Brazil
5. Stone Flower
6. Amparo
7. Andorinha
8. God And The Devil In The Land Of The Sun
9. Sabia
10. Brazil (Alternate Take)

Amazon.com

The American producer Creed Taylor produced some of the best recordings Antonio Carlos Jobim ever made. Taylor's lush strings, evocative woodwinds, and selection of top-notch jazz musicians were a perfect match for Jobim's spare, bossa nova-flavored compositions. This 1970 recording features Jobim backed by bassist Ron Carter, trombonist Urbie Green, flutist Hubert Law, and soprano saxophonist Joe Farrell. Several classics, such as "Children's Games," the lilting "Tereza My Love," and the two soft samba/swing renditions of Ary Barroso's "Brazil," are lovingly draped in the velvet arrangements of the then-young Brazilian sensation Eumir Deodato. Jobim's dry and achy vocals, along with his acoustic and rarely heard electric-piano playing, add the right sonic seasoning to this delightful disk. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Customer Reviews:

Sublime.......2006-06-12

I'll add my praises of this disc to all the others. I fell totally in LOVE with Bossa Nova back in high school. I collected everything I could, from Best of Sergio Mendes - which is also very highly recommended to those who love this genre- to Joao Gilberto. In fact I made a trip to Brazil back in 1975 because I had to see this land where this sublime music came from. Anyway back to the disc. I had everything Jobim had recorded but this one intrigued me the most. It was his darkest and most complex. Worth adding to any collection of jazz, bossa, latin or anything else.

Jobim.......2006-03-07

Listen to the samples and you will not need anyone's comments. "Wave", "Tide", "Stone flower" and the rest of the albums with Jobim's music will live for ever. Smooth, relaxing, stylish.

Maybe the most precious Jobim treasure.......2006-02-24

Another 5-star Jobim collaboration with producer Creed Taylor for his CTi label with arrangements by Deodato and a team of Jazz master musicians featuring Urbie Green and Hubert Laws.

Repertoire consists of Jobim material except for traditional Brazilian composer Ary Barroso's 'Brazil'.

Part of Jobim's compositions is music he composed for the film 'The Adventurers' also with arrangements by Deodato, issued in a very rare soundtrack album by Paramount label. Unfortunately, out of print.

Refer to the beautiful waltz 'Children's Games' which was also recorded by Elis Regina in her 'Elis & Tom' under the Portuguese title 'Chovendo na Roseira'.

A fundamental Jobim and Bossa Nova and Great Music album!

Mere words just aren't enough..........2006-02-09

This is the greatest in bossa nova bar none and would be my pick of what music straight from Heaven sounds like. Antonio Carlos Jobim is the underrated genius of the genre and his recordings are beyond words for description. Both cuts of "Brazil" are priceless and the song "Sabia" is worth the price of this album alone. The new 2002 reissue has new liner nothes and a crystal-clear sound, giving them the greatest of sound quality for the full effect. Do yourself a favor and get this, it will send you to places you never thought possible.

Stone Flower-Also Ran.......2006-02-01

While this is a very fine album, the tracks are not Jobim's best. These are prime examples of a great composer's lesser works, that produced by anyone else would be considered gems. The musicians on the album are all well known in their own right and the recording quality is excellent. A good album but not a great album

Average customer rating:

Land of My Fathers: 100 Great Welsh Choir Favourites Manufacturer: Castle Pulse ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Boito, Arrigo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mancini | Mancini, Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Favourite Welsh Choirs Land of Song Welsh Choral Classics Welsh Choirs: Wonderful Welsh Choirs Bryn Terfel - We'll Keep a Welcome Traditional Songs of Wales ASIN: B0009SOFXG Release Date: 2005-08-01

Tracks:

1. Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer (CWM Rhondda) - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
2. Land of My Fathers - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
3. Dies Irae
4. Men of Harlech
5. You'll Never Walk Alone
6. Cadwyn O Emyn Donau Cymreig: Joanna (Trad./Elfion Wyn)/Crugybar (Trad.
7. Old Folks at Home
8. Il Liza Jane
9. Faust/Soldier's Chorus - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
10. Vergine Degli Angeli
11. Ballard of Rourke's Drift - Cwt-Y-Collen Choir
12. My Hero
13. God Bless the Prince of Wales - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
14. German Mass/Gloria
15. German Mass/Sanctus
16. Misbles/Master of the House/On My Own/Drink with Me/Empty Chairs at
17. All Through the Night - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
18. Arwelfa
19. Invictus
20. Softly as I Leave You

Tracks:

1. Diolch l'R L
2. Hine E Hine (Maori Lullaby)
3. Pererin Wyf (Amazing Grace)
4. Tribute to the USA: America the Beautiful (Ward/Bates)/God Bless ...
5. Memories of Martha
6. I Lombardi/The Crusaders' Chorus - Treorchy Male Choir
7. Myfanwy - Treorchy Male Choir
8. Tales of Hoffman/Barcarolle
9. Creation's Hymn
10. In the Spirit!
11. Shall We Gather at the River
12. Nos a Bore
13. Very Best Time of Year
14. Soon Ah Will Be Done
15. Thanks Be to God
16. Flower That Shattered the Stone
17. Rhys - Treorchy Male Choir
18. Where Shall I Be?
19. Bywyd y Bugail
20. Lord's Prayer

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria
2. Pearl Fishers/Divine Brahma
3. She Was Beautiful (Cavatina) - Treorchy Male Choir
4. Cymru Fach
5. Nidaros
6. Jacob's Ladder - Treorchy Male Choir
7. Watching the Wheat
8. Pan Ddaw y Saint (When the Saints Go Marching In)
9. Misbles/Stars
10. Rachie
11. Pirates of Penzance/With Cat-Like Tread - Treorchy Male Choir
12. There Is a Balm in Gilead
13. Rise Up Shepherd and Foller
14. My Lord, What a Mornin'
15. Bryn Myrddin
16. Jesus Christ Superstar/Medley: Jesus Christ Superstar/Hosanna/The Last
17. Finnish Forest (Suomen Salossa)
18. Nabucco/The Glory of Israel
19. Ride the Chariot
20. Tydi a Roddaist - Treorchy Male Choir

Tracks:

1. Y Nefoedd
2. Phantom of the Opera/Think of Me
3. Morte Christe (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)
4. By Babylon's Wave
5. I'm Gonna Sing
6. Where Could I Go But to the Lord?
7. Holy City - Treorchy Male Choir
8. Mefistofele: Ave Signor, Degli Angeli
9. Senzenina (Zulu Chant)
10. That's All I Want from You
11. Deep Harmony - Treorchy Male Choir
12. Give Me Jesus
13. Just a Closer Walk with Thee
14. My Wish for You
15. Jeptha/Waft Her Angels
16. Mose in Egitto/Prayer
17. Be Still My Soul (Finlandia Hymn)
18. God's Choir in the Sky
19. Floral Dance - Treorchy Male Choir
20. Smilin' Through

Tracks:

1. Calon Lan
2. True Love
3. Mor Fawr Wyt Ti (How Great Thou Art)
4. Aberystwyth
5. Comrades in Arms
6. Cats/Memory
7. They Led My Lord Away
8. State Fair/It's a Grand Night for Singing
9. When I Fall in Love
10. Let's Face the Music and Dance
11. Windmills of Your Mind
12. How Soon
13. Non Nobis Domine
14. Rhythm of Life
15. Kalinka
16. Sound an Alarm
17. Neapolitan Trilogy: It's Now or Never (Di Capua/Schroeder/Gold)/Mo ...
18. Turandot/Nessun Dorma
19. Christus Redemptor
20. Ann Evening's Pastorale

Album Details

Choirs Include the Morriston Orpheus Choir, the Pontadrddulais Male Voice Choir, the Caerphilly Male Voice Choir, the Cwrt-y-gollen Choir, the Treorchy Male Choir and the Lucknow Male Voice Choir.

Average customer rating: Easy listening Virtuoso Music, Virtuoso Performances Bravado Showmanship in an Exhilarating Concert unique

Mischa Maisky and Martha Argerich in Concert Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Maisky, Mischa | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Maisky & Argerich Live in Japan Martha Argerich and Friends Live from the Lugano Festival 2005: Chamber Music Martha Argerich and Friends: Live from the Lugano Festival Brahms: Sonata for 2 Pianos; Mendelssohn: Piano Trio #1; Martha Argerich Bach: Sonatas for Cello & Piano ASIN: B00076YNIM Release Date: 2005-03-08

Amazon.com

The duo of cellist Mischa Maisky and pianist Martha Argerich is known for the virtuoso flair they bring to their performances. This recording from a 2003 Brussels concert is no exception. The way they tear into the wild second movement Allegro of the Shostakovich, with both artists rattling off its grotesqueries at warp speed, will have you at the edge of your chair. They're as admirable in the brooding Largo of that work and in conveying the rhapsodic Romanticism of the Prokofiev Sonata. At times they can seem self-indulgent, lingering over phrases in both of those Sonatas and teasing the lines in Stravinsky's Suite italienne, which the composer arranged for cello and piano from his Pulcinella ballet. But the flip side of that is the spontaneity that they achieve here, and even when pianissimos are taken down to the barely audible or diminuendos are exaggerated, the effects are too thrilling to complain about. Here's another must-have for their many fans. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Easy listening.......2007-01-13

The music on this CD is easy to listen to. I sometimes put it in my Bose as the wake-up music.

Virtuoso Music, Virtuoso Performances.......2005-07-25

There are, as reviewers always say, other ways to play this music. But few other teams have captured the fire and ice of this very disparate music of three Russian masters. With Pulcinella, Stravinsky announced to the world his own brand of neoclassicism (which he had been working toward, certainly, through pieces such as the Octet). The "Suite Italien" drawn from Pulcinella and arranged for cello and piano by Stravinsky and cellist Gregor Piatigorsky has more edginess than the orchestral original, I find, and so seems even more Stravinskian.

With the Prokofiev, we hear one of the best examples of that master's compromise between his earlier spiky modernism and later more populist style. Here, without doubt, is one of the great pieces of 20th-century chamber music, with its warm and generous opening andante (punctuated by moments of dark drama), its jocose march-like second movement, and its riveting and headlong finale. Well, it's headlong in this performance anyway. Maybe Maisky and Argerich don't precisely adhere to Prokofiev's Allego ma non troppo marking, but the results are scintillating, virtuoso in the extreme.

For me, Shostakovich's Cello Sonata is on a lower artistic plane, though it certainly has its enticements: the grotesquery of the scherzo second movement is Shostakovich at his most interesting and haunting. I'm in a minority, I'm sure, but you can keep many of his long-winded and supposedly dramatic slow movements, including the Largo of this sonata. We're back on familiar ground, though, in the finale, and Maisky and Argerich's is as exciting a performance of this strange, beguiling music--like a glance ahead to the finale of the Ninth Symphony--as you're likely to hear.

DG's recording has all the benefits, none of the drawbacks of live recording. There is warm cello sound and full, rich piano tone without clangor. Plus the applause is separately banded, so you can listen or not as you wish; during the music (except for the encore, a waltz by Prokofiev) the audience is dead silent. Recommended without a single reservation.

Bravado Showmanship in an Exhilarating Concert.......2005-07-21

Martha Argerich and Mischa Maisky - what a partnership! This is one of those live concert recordings that overcomes all technical blemishes and simply glows with superb playing. Recorded in a concert in 2003 in Belgium, these two superior musicians have a chemistry easily observed in concert and equally palpable on recordings. This is a must have CD for almost all music lovers.

Three works comprise this recital. The first piece in a transcription for cello and piano written by Stravinsky himself of portions of his ballet 'Pulchinella'. Argerich and Maisky dive right into the Italianate parody with zest and extraordinary facility of playing. Both the Prokofiev and Shostakovich Sonatas find each musician exploring the rich profundities of their individual instruments as well as the dashing eccentricities and joys of the piano and cello in tandem. The result is not only a dazzling musical conversation but also an expansion of the validity of each composer's work.

The playing is of the highest quality and the recorded sound is excellent: the ambience of the hall adds to the musical mixing. For shear joy of fine music perfectly played with soul and heart, this recital is no one to be passed over lightly! Highly recommended. Grady Harp, July 05

unique.......2005-05-07

It's like continuation of his Live in Japan, debussy, franck, and chopin... I met Mischa Maisky in Schlern Music Festival in Italy. I heard his third movement of Shostakovich sonata while he was giving a master class. In the small room, everybody dropped massive bitter sour tears. The room was filled with unexplainable charisma... It was so unforgetable scent of music that I had to buy this recording.

Average customer rating: Absolutely wonderful! The great balladeer returns!

Flower That Shattered the Stone John Denver Manufacturer: Navarre Corporation/ ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Spirit I Want to Live It's About Time Seasons of the Heart Rhymes & Reasons ASIN: B000008F01 Release Date: 1990-09-24

Tracks:

1. Flower That Shattered the Stone
2. Thanks to You
3. Postcard from Paris
4. High, Wide and Handsome
5. Eagles and Horses
6. Little Further North
7. Raven's Child
8. Ancient Rhymes
9. Gift You Are
10. I Watch You Sleeping
11. Stonehaven Sunset
12. Flower That Shattered the Stone (Reprise)

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely wonderful! The great balladeer returns!.......2005-06-29

How sweet it is to know that the outstanding quality of his previous album, "Higher Ground", was not just a fluke! Our favorite singer really has come back! This album rates as his best work since "I Want To Live". There's a comfortable flow here, from one great song to another.

The title track nas a mellowness reminiscent of "My Sweet Lady" and "This Old Guitar." There are two charming ballads of gratitude and romance, called "Thanks To You" and "The Gift You Are." Political commentary is also represented in fine form, with "Raven's Child" and "Stonehaven Sunset." "High, Wide & Handsome" is a playful little western number with some great dobro licks. But my favorite is a brilliantly soaring wildlife piece called "Eagles & Horses". As you listen, you get a panoramic vision of wide-open wilderness, where eagles race with horses in blissful abandon, filled with the exuberance of freedom.

John's peerless gift for celebrating the splendor of nature is as strong as ever! Add to that the touching romance, the social admonition, the stylish production work, and the splendid musicianship, and you have a truly beautiful album. Perfect for anytime, anywhere.

Average customer rating: Shockingly Awesome Cantata! Awe-Inspiring Lousy Propaganda, Super Choral Music from Prokofiev wacky fun from Sergei Sergeyevich Not Satire Sorry

Prokofiev: Cantata for the 20th Anniversary of the October Revolution; The Stone Flower [Excerpts] Manufacturer: Chandos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Prokofiev: War and Peace Suite; Summer Night; Russian Overture On Guard for Peace: Music of the Totalitarian Regime Prokofiev: Egyptian Nights Sergey Prokofiev: The Prodigal Son, Op. 46, Ballet in Three Scenes by Boris Kochno / Divertimento, Op. 43 / Andante, from Piano Sonata No. 4, Op. 29 bis (Transcription by the Composer for Orchestra) / Symphonic Song, Op. 57 - Neeme Järvi Prokofiev: The Complete Symphonies ASIN: B000000AQ6 Release Date: 1994-02-10

Tracks:

1. Cantana For The 20th Anniversary Of The October Revolution Op. 74: I Prelude
2. Cantana For The 20th Anniversary Of The October Revolution Op. 74: II The Philosophers
3. Cantana For The 20th Anniversary Of The October Revolution Op. 74: III Interlude
4. Cantana For The 20th Anniversary Of The October Revolution Op. 74: IV 'A Tight Little Band'
5. Cantana For The 20th Anniversary Of The October Revolution Op. 74: V Interlude
6. Cantana For The 20th Anniversary Of The October Revolution Op. 74: VI Revolution
7. Cantana For The 20th Anniversary Of The October Revolution Op. 74: VII Victory
8. Cantana For The 20th Anniversary Of The October Revolution Op. 74: VIII The Oath
9. Cantana For The 20th Anniversary Of The October Revolution Op. 74: IX Symphony
10. Cantana For The 20th Anniversary Of The October Revolution: X The Constitution
11. Excerpts From 'The Tale Of The Stone Flower' Op. 118: Ural Rhapsody
12. Excerpts From 'The Tale Of The Stone Flower' Op. 118: Katerina Sits By The Fire (Act IV No. 39)
13. Excerpts From 'The Tale Of The Stone Flower' Op. 118: Scene And Dance Of Katerina (Act IV No. 40)
14. Excerpts From 'The Tale Of The Stone Flower' Op. 118: Russian Dance (Act III No. 31)
15. Excerpts From 'The Tale Of The Stone Flower' Op. 118: Gypsy Dance (Act III No. 32)
16. Excerpts From 'The Tale Of The Stone Flower' Op. 118: Severyan's Dance (Act III No. 33)
17. Excerpts From 'The Tale Of The Stone Flower' Op. 118: Solo Of The Gypsy Girl And Coda (Act III No. 34)

Amazon.com essential recording

Prokofiev's cantata is a scream, literally. Obviously no one cares about the occasion for which it was written--and, in fact, the music proved so complicated that it wasn't performed until 1966, 13 years after the composer's death. Scored for huge orchestra, choruses, a folk band of manic accordion players, extra brass, and the shouting-amplified "voice of Lenin" (here intoned with impressive volume by conductor Gennadi Rozhdestvensky), the piece makes the most ear-splitting din imaginable. It's very hard to tell whether Prokofiev was serious or not, but the fact remains that it's a riot to listen to now--a period piece in the best sense. This performance wrings every last decibel out of the composition, and you'd be crazy to ask for more! --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Shockingly Awesome Cantata!.......2006-09-09

Sergei Prokofiev delivers one of the wildest, most bizarre and inventive works in his entire output. After the violent, abrasive opening of this Cantata, the music turns more lyrical with the chorus ushering in much beauty of sound. It is a hallmark of this work and Prokofiev's music in general that he mixes such high-lyricism with such turbulent, brutal harmonic invention. The absolute highlight of the entire piece is obviously track 6, the depiction of the Russian Revolution. Here is a taste of what it sounds like, a massive choir and an outsized orchestra comprising quadruple woodwinds, eight horns, four trumpets, four trombones, two tubas, timpani, percussion, harps, keyboards and numerous strings. In addition, Prokofiev utilizes an accordion orchestra at specific moments, an extra brass group, a percussion ensemble with alarm-bells, cannon-shot and even police riot sirens! There is even a great moment during the madness where a speaker, ( Gennadi Rozhdestvensky on this recording ), has to make an announcement through a megaphone, speaking the words of Lenin himself!

As far as the political ramifications of this piece, are they even relevant? I refuse to put this outstanding work into some silly historical pigeonhole. Why do that, instead of enjoying the glorious pandemonium Prokofiev unveils in this music? It could be part satire, it could be part ideology, but it is mostly brilliant music and something that any serious classical music fan has to experience.

Neemi Jarvi thankfully puts on a blistering performance with gigantic forces at his disposal. Chandos comes through with enormous, stunning digital sound. This is the only complete recording of the "Cantata for the 20th Anniversary of the October Revolution" available. It's a major accomplishment. You also get excerpts from The Stone Flower ballet, mostly lyrical dances. Regardless, you're purchasing this for the Cantata remember, so waste no more time, this is a breathtaking piece of music.

Awe-Inspiring.......2006-02-22

This is true agit-music, something that puts one in the mood for establishing a proletarian dictatorship. The first sheer tracks are sheer excitement, the Victory touching, and the Symphony energetic. Interestingly I found Stalin's a bit boring, as if Stalin's idiocy brought down Prokofiev's genius. Nevertheless, this is still a supreme work, Prokofiev at his most bombastic.

The excerpts from The Stone Flower are somewhat superfluous, and with the exception of the Ural Rhapsody I wonder why they chose this segment of the ballet. Still, it makes interesting comparison with Noseda's more rhythmic and less lyrical Stone Flower recording.

Lousy Propaganda, Super Choral Music from Prokofiev.......2004-03-03

Yes, this is an indispensable recording for lovers of Prokofiev. The Cantata for the 20th Anniversary of the October Revolution, which Prokofiev showed to his colleague Myaskovsky and others with negative results, was presumably shelved by the composer because he didn't want to end up in a gulag, and no Soviet composer in the wake of the adverse official reaction to Shostakovich's Lady Macbeth knew exactly what would land him there. While Myaskovksy et al. had reservations, and may even have seen the work as a one-way ticket to Siberia for Prokofiev if he should release it, does this mean the work is a satire of Communist propaganda, and Prokofiev's colleagues knew it? Well, just listen to the work! It is clearly a serious, heartfelt, politically naïve paean by what the note writer for this CD calls "at heart a naïf, an idealist."

No, I think what Myaskovsky objected to was the stark modernism that Prokofiev managed to weave into the huge tapestry of his score. Because the austere Prelude is echt Prokofiev, with those grating, advanced harmonies that would have set Stalin's teeth on edge if he had ever heard the score. It reminds me of that icy music that precedes the great Battle on the Ice from Alexander Nevsky. Woven amidst the de rigueur bombast of this score, too, are the sweeping Prokofiev melodies that Myaskovksy, or any other composer Soviet or other, would be envious of. But then the bombast--how artfully Prokofiev handles it! In his hands the political sentiment here sounds like deep philosophical thinking deserving of the best musical garb. Only a great composer could make us believe this libretto--at least musically. Over the top this music clearly is: Just wait till you get to the Revolution section! But it is also argued with the soundness of the great musical mind that Prokofiev was. If you like Nevsky, the Sixth Symphony, and (I'm guessing) War and Peace (though I'm not all that familiar with the work), then you will definitely find the Cantata worth your time. Because this work looks forward to all of them.

The CD also includes probably all of the Stone Flower ballet you'll need in your collection. When you listen to the Ural Rhapsody that begins these excerpts, you may think that Prokofiev saw Khatchaturian as having concocted the right formula for Soviet musical expression; it has some of the same raw energy and oriental sinuousness of the Gayne ballet score. But then we move on to Katerina Sits by the Fire, and here are the languid, long-breathed Prokofiev melody and the girlish, scampering pre-ball music the composer penned for his Cinderella, replete with those signature percussion accents from xylophone and glockenspiel. Truth to tell, though, the Stone Flower is not top-drawer Prokofiev, and it has only echoes of the greatness of Romeo and Juliet and Cinderella, though there is something to be said for the rough-hewn folksiness of the Gypsy Dance and Severyan's Dance. Best of all is the Gypsy Girl's Solo Dance, which recalls the steel-spring scherzo of the Fifth Symphony. But much of the suavity and wit are gone in this 1948 ballet, and I imagine that like me, you'll miss them.

Still, given the excellent performance and beautifully detailed but airy recording--in Chandos' best fashion--the ballet music is very welcome. Especially in company with that knockout Cantata!

wacky fun from Sergei Sergeyevich.......2003-07-17

Who gives a hoot if it be satire or not? It definitely has a sense of humour running throughout, and actually does manage to take itself seriously during "Revolution", "Symphyony" and "The Constitution". Probably one of the most important choral pieces to come out of Soviet Russia!

Not Satire Sorry.......2001-10-02

This is a pure musical expression of revolution from beginning to end. I hate the revisionists who go back and claim the works of Prokofiev and Shostakovich and others who worked under communism are really satire and ant-communist. Is Copeland's work satire and anti-American - of course not. Of course, there are not complete presentations of this - this is revolutionary music in more ways then one; and a true joy for lovers of modern powerful original music. It is a masterwork!

Average customer rating: top quality recording stunning orchestral suites, recorded from 1965 to 1974

Prokofiev: Lieutenant Kijé; Scythian Suite Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Saint-Saëns: Piano Quartet; Piano Quintet; Septet; etc. Brahms: Symphony No. 4; Tragic Overture; Schicksalslied Debussy: Piano Works ASIN: B0000042DL Release Date: 1997-10-14

Tracks:

1. Lieutenant Kije - Suite, Op. 60: The Birth Of Kije - S. Prokofiev
2. Lieutenant Kije - Suite, Op. 60: Romance - S. Prokofiev
3. Lieutenant Kije - Suite, Op. 60: The Wedding Of Kije - S. Prokofiev
4. Lieutenant Kije - Suite, Op. 60: Troika - S. Prokofiev
5. Lieutenant Kije - Suite, Op. 60: The Burial Of Kije - S. Prokofiev
6. Chout - Suite, Op. 21b: The Buffoon And His Wife - S. Prokofiev
7. Chout - Suite, Op. 21b: Dance Of The Wives - S. Prokofiev
8. Chout - Suite, Op. 21b: The Buffoons Kill Their Wives - S. Prokofiev
9. Chout - Suite, Op. 21b: Dance Of The Buffoons' Daughters - S. Prokofiev
10. Chout - Suite, Op. 21b: In The Merchant's Bedroom - S. Prokofiev
11. Choat - Suite, Op. 21b: The Young Wife Becomes A Goat - S. Prokofiev
12. Chout - Suite, Op. 21b: The Burial Of The Goat - S. Prokofiev
13. Chout - Suite, Op. 21b: Quarrel Between The Buffoon And The Merchant - S. Prokofiev
14. Chout - Suite, Op. 21b: Final Dance - S. Prokofiev
15. Autumnal, Op. 8 - S. Prokofiev
16. The Prodigal Son - Symphonic Suite, Op. 46b: Adagio - S. Prokofiev
17. The Prodigal Son - Symphonic Suite, Op. 46b: Allegro fastoso - S. Prokofiev
18. The Prodigal Son - Symphonic Suite, Op. 46b: Presto - S. Prokofiev
19. The Prodigal Son - Symphonic Suite, Op. 46b: Andante assai - S. Prokofiev
20. The Prodigal Son - Symphonic Suite, Op. 46b: Andante pomposo - S. Prokofiev

Tracks:

1. Scythian Suite, Op. 20: The Adoration Of Veles And Ala - Sergei Prokofiev
2. Scythian Suite, Op. 20: The Enemy God And Dance Of The Black Spirits - Sergei Prokofiev
3. Scythian Suite, Op. 20: Night - Sergei Prokofiev
4. Scythian Suite, Op. 20: The Glorious Departure Of Lolly and the Procession of the Sun - Sergei Prokofiev
5. The Stone Flower, Op. 118: Prologue - Sergei Prokofiev
6. The Stone Flower, Op. 118: From Act I - Sergei Prokofiev
7. The Stone Flower, Op. 118: From Act II - Sergei Prokofiev
8. The Stone Flower, Op. 118: From Act III - Sergei Prokofiev
9. The Stone Flower, Op. 118: From Act IV - Sergei Prokofiev

Amazon.com

This is an excellent collection of music largely composed during Prokofiev's Paris period--the first two decades of this century--though The Stone Flower comes from the end of his career, and Kije from the exact middle. The Scythian Suite was originally conceived as a ballet in direct competition with Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring, but when no production seemed imminent, the composer turned it into an orchestral piece. The biting, fiercely brilliant music of the Paris ballets has never been as popular as Prokofiev's later music, but this generous compilation allows you to hear the consistently high level of quality that he maintained over his entire career, and at a bargain price it's most welcome. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

top quality recording.......2004-10-08

All of the pieces on this CD are well played and performed, with a readily melodic quality. The Lieutenant Kije Suite and the Chout Suite especially are packed full of music which is easily listening and of a beauty which stands in stark contrast to the angry, dense and violent music which Prokofiev composed when he was younger. These CDs are a must have for any lover of Prokofiev, or classical music in general.

stunning orchestral suites, recorded from 1965 to 1974.......2002-11-22

This is a gigantic, no-frills package of first-rate Prokofiev. Originally recorded between 1965 and 1974, this Decca Double includes six works, five of them major -- Autumnal, the Scythian Suite, Chout, The Prodigal Son, Lt. Kije, and The Stone Flower. Autumnal was composed in 1910 before Prokofiev left Russia, and was influenced by Scriabin and Debussy. The Scythian Suite, Chout and The Prodigal Son were all Paris works, intended for Diaghilev's ballets. The young Prokofiev was brilliant, urbane, witty, and definitely should not have been in Stravinsky's shadow. Lt. Kije was written as a Soviet film score in the early-mid 1930s, paving the way for Prokofiev's return. Kije contains three memorable themes, which are interwoven in the last movement. Prokofiev's populist touch here at its best! The Stone Flower, a 50-minute work, was one of his last compositions, based on Urals folk songs. The Stone Flower is lushly melodic -- Prokofiev was only getting better at the time of his tragic death in 1953(in the same hour as Stalin!).

Prokofiev had a gift comparable to Mozart's. Prokofiev and Shostakovich, the Russian Mozart and Beethoven of the 20th century!

Average customer rating: A garage-rock flower Interesting precursor to their debut album

Garage Flower The Stone Roses Manufacturer: Silvertone ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britpop | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Dance | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Turns Into Stone The Stone Roses Second Coming The Complete Stone Roses Remixes ASIN: B000088SRJ Release Date: 1997-10-01

Tracks:

1. Getting Plenty - Ian Brown, Andy Couzens, Peter Garner, John Squire, The Stone Roses
2. Here It Comes
3. Trust a Fox
4. Tradjic Roundabout
5. All I Want - Kenny Brown, Andy Couzens, Peter Garner, John Squire, The Stone Roses
6. Heart on the Staves
7. I Wanna Be Adored
8. This Is the One
9. Fall - Steven Brown, Andy Couzens, Peter Garner, John Squire, The Stone Roses
10. So Young
11. Tell Me - Beverlei Brown, Andy Couzens, Peter Garner, John Squire, The Stone Roses
12. Haddock
13. Just a Little Bit
14. Mission Impossible

Album Description

Official release of their 1986 demo album (produced inMancheser by the legendary & late Martin Hannett), pluseight previously unreleased tracks: 'Getting Plenty', 'TrustA Fox', 'Tradjic Roundabout', 'All I Want', 'Heart On TheStaves', 'Fall', 'Just A Little Bit' & 'Mission Impossible'.14 tracks total. Both the cover & the full color picture CDfeature the original artwork intended for it by theirguitarist John Squire. 1996 Garage Flower Records/ VirginRecords release.

Customer Reviews:

A garage-rock flower.......2005-02-02

Success ruined the Stone Roses after their astounding, groundbreaking debut album and a less-popular follow-up. Now, in a musical era where "garage rock" is a phrase thrown around like frisbees, the title of the Stone Roses' "Garage Flowers" seems quite appropriate. It's rough, gritty and unfinished, but certainly worth a look for the Roses fan.

Starting with the so-so "Getting Plenty," it shifts in a blare of horns and drums to the catchy, unhappy "Here It Comes" ("Give me your life/It's worthless anyhow"). The Roses show their talent for getting adrenaline pumping with the weightily catchy "Tradjic Roundabout," loud percussion-led "So Young," and Beatles-esque "All I Want."

As a connection to their debut album, there's an early cut of "I Wanna Be Adored." It's less coherent and more scattered; it's primarily interesting as a sign of how their music evolved into the gritty, polished sound of "Stone Roses." Additionally, "This Is the One" appears in all its punky, whispery glory, a slightly different version from that of the debut album, but possibly even better.

The sound of "Stone Roses" hasn't yet blossomed in "Garage Flowers." Their sound was still evolving and changing. As a result several of the songs here were released for the first time in "Garage Flowers," still with that slightly scratched, unfinished feeling that you only get in demo CDs. Those expecting the quality of "Stone Roses" or "Second Coming" will be disappointed, but those looking for some semi-good music from the then-evolving Stone Roses will find it here.

The muddier sound makes it a little harder to hear the music at times. They're a little uneven musically, tending to depend heavily either on percussion or guitars. And the melodies are somewhat less complex than they were later in the Roses' career, especially with the shaky filler song "Getting Plenty." However, they are still fairly good, with some of the brilliant, swirling guitar riffs and thunderous drumming that can get your pulse racing in an instant.

The 1986 demo album "Garage Flowers" is a shift down from the rest of the Roses' music catalog, but it's still a worthy release and a curiosity for Stone Roses fans.

Interesting precursor to their debut album.......2004-10-30

This collection of pre-debut album recordings (from around 1985) show the Roses as a more visceral guitar band, but with tendencies towards greatness. Sure, nothing here is as good as the songs on the first album (although "I Wanna Be Adored" and "This is the One" appear here in early forms), but songs like "Gettin' Plenty", "Here It Comes", "Trust a Fox", and "Tradjic Roundabout" are performed with bravado and are impressive works in their own right, particularly Reni's unbelievable drumming. Most of the good songs are in the beginning, making this collection a little front heavy, but if you're a Roses fan (and you are if you're reading this review) then you should definitely consider checking this out in order to hear a few lost gems.

Average customer rating: A Glorious Score An Underrated Work

Prokofiev: The Stone Flower Manufacturer: Chandos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Prokofiev - The Stone Flower / Terekhova, Gulyaev, Polikarpova, Christyakova, Viliumanis, Kirov Ballet Prokofiev: The Five Piano Concertos ASIN: B00008WQB1 Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

1. The Mistress Of Copper Mountain
2. Danilo And His Work
3. Danilo In Search Of The Stone Flower
4. Danilo Meets His Fellow Villagers
5. Scene And Duet Of Katerina And Danilo
6. Interlude I. Severyan And The Workers
7. Round Dance
8. Katerina Bids Farewell To Her Friends
9. Maiden's Dance
10. Danilo's Dance
11. Unmarried Men's Dance
12. Severyan's Arrival
13. Altercation Over The Malachite Vase
14. Scene Of Katerina And Danilo
15. Danilo's Thoughts
16. Danilo Enticed Away By The Mistress Of The Copper Mountain
17. The Mistress Shows Danilo The Treasures Of The Earth
18. Duet Of The Mistress And Danilo (First Temptation)
19. Scene And Waltz Of The Diamonds (Second Temptation)
20. Dance Of The Russian Precious Stones (Third Temptation)
21. Waltz

Tracks:

1. Danilo's Monologue And The Mistress's Reply
2. The Mistress Shows Danilo The Stone Flower
3. Severyan And The Workers; The Mistress's Warning
4. Scene And Katerina's Dance (Thinking Of Danilo)
5. Severyan's Arrival
6. 'Where Are You, Sweet Danilo?'
7. The Appearance Of The Mistress And Katerina's Joy
8. Ural Rhapsody
9. Interlude II
10. Russian Dance
11. Gypsy Dance
12. Severyan's Dance
13. Solo Of The Gypsy Girl And Coda
14. Katerina's Appearance And Severyan's Rage
15. The Appearance Of The Mistress And Scene Of Severyan Transfixed
16. Severyan Follows The Mistress
17. Severyan's Death
18. Katerina Sits By The Fire And Yearns For Danilo
19. Scene And Katerina's Dance With The Skipping Fire-Spirit
20. Katerina Follows The Fire-Spirit
21. Katerina's Dialogue With The Mistress
22. Danilo Turned To Stone
23. The Joy Of Katerina And Danilo's Reunion (Adagio)
24. The Mistress Presents Gifts To Katerina And Danilo
25. Epilogue

Customer Reviews:

A Glorious Score.......2007-01-30

After years of being entranced by segments of the score on some obsecure recording lable, I finally came across this full length recording and became completely overwhelmed: I was in love with the score. Several years later I had the opportunity to choreograph and design a new production of Stone Flower. During the creative time I reallized that one cannot listen to the score as only an accompaniment to a story-ballet. No, it is far more than that; it is the musical evocation of the composers deep and abiding love of his country. Prokofiev has exposed every aspect of who he is in this remarkable work: from the earthy, rhythmical folk sections, to the wonderment he would have experienced were he to enter the realm of the Mistress of the Copper Mountain, every note, every theme, is pure. On the surface the story seems quite elemental, however, it is far more than that: it is the story of artistic sacrifice and an examination of what love truly is. The Stone Flower is Prokofiev's "lost work" - no one knows it! It should be elevated into the pantheon of standards. Unfortunately, the only version anyone has seen is that lumbering Bolshoi production that is laughable at best. Were a choreographer of the calibre of a Nummeier or Killiam, someone not casting glances back to the Communist era, to get the vision of this work, then something truly remarkable could happen.

An Underrated Work.......2006-02-22

When I first read of The Stone Flower it was described as an "abstract" ballet. Although its plotline is a little odd, it is in the tradition of Russian national romanticism, and though it is not innovative like Prokofiev's earlier work it is still pleasing enough to listen to. The ballet's emotional theme is a bit sentimental, but overall I believe that Prokofiev's last work has been underrated. The "Swan" melody from Ivan the Terrible has been well-altered for this work, and the bits from "Summer Day" also fit well into the ensemble. There are arresting original themes, too, such as that of the Mistress of Copper Mountain, the Dance of the Russian Jewels, and the Ural Rhapsody. The ballet's music does get repetitive near the end, so though it is not Prokofiev's best work it is still a fine piece.

Average customer rating: Passion, passion, passion AMAZING

Flower Grows in Stone Kyler Manufacturer: Deep South ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Jennifer Marks Right Up Your Face Different for Girls Whatever Will Be If The World Would Just End ASIN: B00025ETY6 Release Date: 2004-06-01

Tracks:

1. Something So Beautiful
2. Nothing Soothes Me
3. Dead End
4. Higher Ground
5. Flawless
6. Radioactive
7. Snowed In
8. Broken Arrow
9. Distraction
10. Coffee Break/Laika
11. Distill
12. Big City Boy
13. Breathe Again
14. One

Customer Reviews:

Passion, passion, passion.......2005-11-23

Kyler's music is beautiful and full of passionate expression, and her voice is amazing. I especially love the song "Higher Ground" with its soaring chorus and melody that has you listening to it over and over again. This CD has it all from her catchy songs "Something So Beautiful" and "Broken Arrow", to the playful "Snowed In", and of course, beautiful ballads like "Higher Ground" and "Flawless".

Kyler's one of the most talented songwriters to come by in a long time, with a beautiful voice to match. You will love this CD.

AMAZING.......2005-09-14

Kyler is an amazingly talented singer/songwriter...everyone should check this album out, it's well worth 15bucks. Very powerful voice with the lyrics to back it up, which is very hard to find these days

Average customer rating: The laborer is worthy of his hire. Confused by Carrie-Lee A Superbly Played Version of Prokofiev's Last Ballet Sooooo Disappointing

Sergej Prokofiev: The Stone Flower Manufacturer: Cpo Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000009COU Release Date: 2000-10-06

Tracks:

1. Prologue: 1. The Mistress Of The Copper Mountain
2. Prologue: 2. Danilo And His Work
3. Act I Scene 1: 3. Danilo In Search Of The Flower
4. Act I Scene 1: 4. Danilo Meets His Fellow Villagers
5. Act I Scene 1: 5. Scene And Duet Of Katerina And Danilo
6. Act I Scene 1: 6. Interlude
7. Act I Scene 2: 7. Round Dance
8. Act I Scene 2: 8. Katerina Bids Farewell To Her Friends
9. Act I Scene 2: 9. The Girl's Dance
10. Act I Scene 2: 10. Danilo's Dance
11. Act I Scene 2: 11. The Unmarried Mens's Dance
12. Act I Scene 2: 12. Severyan's Arrival
13. Act I Scene 2: 13. Altercation Over The Malachite Vase
14. Act I Scene 2: 14. Scene Of Katerina And Danilo
15. Act I Scene 2: 15. Danilo's Meditation
16. Act I Scene 3: 16. Danilo Enticed Away By The Mistress Of The Mountain

Tracks:

1. Act II Scene 4: 17. The Mistress Shows Danilo The Treasures Of The Earth
2. Act II Scene 4: 18. Duet OF The Mistress And Danilo
3. Act II Scene 4: 19. Scene And Waltz Of The Diamonds
4. Act II Scene 4: 20. Dance Of The Russian Precious Stones
5. Act II Scene 4: 21. Waltz
6. Act II Scene 4: 22. Danilo's Monolog And The Mistresses Reply
7. Act II Scene 4: 23. The Mistress Shows Danilo The Stone Flower
8. Act II Scene 4: 24. Severyan And The Workers; The Mistress' Warning
9. Act II Scene 5: 25. Scene And Katerina's Dance
10. Act II Scene 5: 26. Severyan's Arrival
11. Act II Scene 5: 27. 'Where Are You, Sweet Danilo?'
12. Act II Scene 5: 28. The Appearance Of The Mistress; Katerina's Joy
13. Act III Scene 6: 29. Ural Rhap

Tracks:

1. Act III Scene 6: 30. Interlude
2. Act III Scene 6: 31. Russian Dance
3. Act III Scene 7: 32. Gypsy Dance
4. Act III Scene 7: 33. Severyan's Dance
5. Act III Scene 7: 34. Solo Of The Gypsy Girl And Coda
6. Act III Scene 7: 35. Katerina's Appearance And Severyan's Rage
7. Act III Scene 7: 36. The Appearance Of The Mistress And Scene Of Severyan Transfixed To The Earth
8. Act III Scene 7: 37. Severyan Follows The Mistress
9. Act III Scene 7: 38. Severyan Dies
10. Act IV Scene 8: 39. Katerina Sits By The Fire And Yearns For Danilo
11. Act IV Scene 8: 40. Scene And Dance Of Katerina And The Skipping Of The Fire-Spirits
12. Act IV Scene 8: 41. Katerina Follows The Fire-Spirits
13. Act IV Scene 8: 42. Dialog Of Katerina And The Mistress
14. Act IV Scene 8: 43. Danilo Turned To Stone
15. Act IV Scene 8: 44. The Joy Of The Meeting Of Katerina And Danilo
16. Act IV Scene 8: 45. The Mistress Presents Gifts To Katerina And Danilo
17. Act IV Scene 8: 46. Epilog

Customer Reviews:

The laborer is worthy of his hire........2002-05-28

In Europe as in North America, some excellent musicians have made local orchestras their homes. The North German Rundfunk may not be the Berlin Philharmonic, but the recording sounds great to me.

Confused by Carrie-Lee.......2001-10-24

(...)This recording of Prokofiev's colorful final ballet is, I believe, exceptionally well conducted, played and recorded. My only complaint would be the somewhat too-lean string sound; it just doesn't have quite the body and warmth needed for some of the more powerful passages. That reservation aside, I find the orchestral sound wonderful, with all sorts of vivid detail---the full range of woodwinds, powerful, well-balanced brass, all of the percussion neatly delineated, etc.

When one considers Prokofiev's unique orchestral "voice" by studying his scores, it is obvious that a certain ponderous, brazen sound is called for rather frequently, particularly in music such as this which deals with very elemental story material
(a fantastic rural folk-tale involving all manner of gems, malachite, the Goddess of the Copper Mountain, fire spirits, etc)... and, for such a late work, "The Stone Flower" contains much that harkens back to Prokofiev's early days as an "enfant terrible" and works such as "Chout", "The Fiery Angel", the Second Piano Concerto, etc.

The point is that I was greatly impressed by this recording and the conductor's grasp of this rather unwieldy and at times tedious score. His shaping of the music is quite expert, even when Prokofiev was obviously just padding things to satisfy the requirements of the stage. And that "ponderous" quality of the orchestral writing is quite telling in this performance ---the writing of unison trumpets in their lower register, the frequent pounding of the tuba and bass drum, the distinctive use of the piano--all of those bizarre, cool sounds that are so uniquely Prokofiev---are brilliantly captured here.

I have also listened recently to the Rozhdestvensky recording of which Carrie-Lee Coke writes so enthusiastically. What I find remarkable is that it is, like most all of those Russian recordings of that vintage, incredibly harsh and dry, with bleating brass, hard-edged, wobbly strings, and shrill woodwinds, in addition to the raw-sounding percussion...all of which is reverbed to death by the engineers!

Don't get me wrong-----I find this type of recording for this type of music quite exciting--and Rozhdestvensky is a fabulously
imaginative conductor, though not nearly so sensitive in his shaping of the music as Maestro Jurowski.

(...)In fact, as I jumped back and forth between the 2 recrodings, I was AGAHST at Rozhdestvenstky's SLAM-BANG approach, as if he was out to kill anything that moved! (Once again,this is not necessarily inappropriate for this music!)

BOTTOM LINE----if you are interested in this unusual, rare score by the fabulous MR. Prokofiev, you cannot go wrong with this recording. Let's face it---this is NOT great music----but Maestro Jurowski, through his insightful and well-paced conducting (not to mention the fine orchestral playing and the brilliantly detailed and well-balanced recording) makes the best possible case for it.

Buy with confidence! (...)

A Superbly Played Version of Prokofiev's Last Ballet.......2001-09-26

This is the complete score and the very best performance I have ever heard of this ballet.

Sooooo Disappointing.......2000-12-15

The Stone Flower Ballet is one of my favorite peices of music. For over 20 years I have listened to an old Melodiya recording of the Bolshoi Theater Orchestra (Gennady Rozhdestvenshy conducting)with unabated pleasure. That recording evokes indescribable emotions. In short, it is a work of art which involvement with is amoung the things that makes life worthwhile. Then again, there is this recording which is supposed to be the subject of this review. It is dull. It is harsh and brassy. It is irritating. It is downright unpleasant, or worse. The contrast between the two performances is as profound as any I have ever noted for one peice of music. Whether you are familar with the Stone Flower or not, I highly recommend that you skip this recording. If the music is new to you, this is an off-putting introduction. If you know the Stone Flower I trust you too will be terribly let down. Unfortunately, this appears to be the only CD rendition in print. A couple of years ago, however, there were also video dance performances of the ballet. I saw the Bolshoi's version which was quite good. I give this 2 stars instead of one because every now and then the bad performance fails to completely obliterate the lovely score.

Pop Music:

1. Study in Brown
2. Sweet Thing/It's All Good
3. Swingin' for the Fences
4. Take Ten
5. The Best of Richard Elliot
6. The David Grisman Quintet
7. The Greatest Ragtime of the Century
8. The Magic Hour
9. The Swinging Guitar of Tal Farlow [Original recording remastered]
10. Translinear Light

Pop Music