Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5; Peter/Ormandy

Victor Carr Jr

Artistic Quality:

Sound Quality:

This is a slower, weightier Prokofiev Symphony No. 5 than the one Eugene Ormandy recorded for CBS in 1961. His 1972 recording (for RCA) also features increased intensity and greater emphasis on color and ensemble clarity. So many details register with exceptional clarity: piano chords at the beginning of the first movement, the tam-tam at the end of same, the string tremolos in the adagio. The Philadelphia Orchestra plays sumptuously throughout, with robust tone and lively articulation–so much so that the slow tempos really don’t matter, save for the adagio, which sounds almost lifeless before the big central climax.

Of course, Ormandy’s not alone in his more measured approach; you can find similar tempos on the younger Bernstein’s first recording with the New York Philharmonic, and on the much younger Yoel Levi’s rendition with the Atlanta Symphony on Telarc. Still, Prokofiev’s Fifth really catches fire when infused with the type of vitality and zest that Neeme Järvi and Herbert von Karajan bring to it.

David Bowie’s telling of Peter and the Wolf may surprise listeners expecting a “rock star” interpretation. Actually, his gentle reading is in the tradition of British storytelling, strong on elocution as well as characterization. It’s all quite charming, especially when supported by Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra’s richly colorful playing. The recordings (remastered by RCA Japan) feature nice depth and spaciousness, but as often with these productions there’s too much treble emphasis. Nonetheless, this remains a highly desirable item for Ormandy fans, and it’s now widely available thanks to Arkivmusic.com’s “on-demand” service.


Recording Details:

Reference Recording: Karajan (DG), Järvi (Chandos), Bernstein (Sony), Muti (Philips)

SERGE PROKOFIEV - Symphony No. 5; Peter and the Wolf

  • Record Label: RCA - 38295
  • Medium: CD

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