Understandably, the Béroff/Masur Prokofiev concerto cycle for EMI, licensed by MHS, has been overlooked in contrast to its Ashkenazy/Previn rival on Decca. Yet I’ve long admired Michel Béroff’s urbane, colorful spin on these caustic concoctions (and so have many others). His energized assurance never turns brittle and brash. Masur, in turn, reveals Prokofiev’s resourceful orchestration in its fullest glory, pointing up details without puncturing the music’s flow. True, Previn’s orchestral solos are more adroitly characterized, and the Leipzig principal oboist’s snake-charmer vibrato might cause some listeners to become seasick. Those who like their Prokofiev Third on the lean side, sautéed in fire and brimstone, are referred to Argerich/Abaddo or Janis/Kondrashin in the Philips Great Pianists edition. Still, this beautifully engineered cycle deserves serious consideration. A heartfelt Overture on Hebrew Themes (for piano, clarinet, and string quartet) fills out disc two, along with the complete Visions Fugitives, played with delectable, storytelling aplomb. Give this set a listen.
