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Mtt - Michael Tilson Thomas - Prokofiev: Romeo & Juliet


Release Date: 02/27/1996 
Label:  Rca Victor Red Seal Catalog #: 68288   Spars Code: DDD 
Composer:  Sergei Prokofiev
Conductor:  Michael Tilson Thomas
Orchestra/Ensemble:  San Francisco Symphony Orchestra
Number of Discs: 1 
Recorded in: Stereo 
Length: 1 Hours 18 Mins. 

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Notes and Editorial Reviews

Much heralded as the auspicious beginning of a new--and now defunct--recording contract with RCA, Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony's Romeo & Juliet remains a stunningly good Prokofiev disc. This particular arrangement (compiled by the conductor) follows the sequence of the ballet, providing more narrative continuity than Prokofiev's three suites. Thomas' vibrant and insightful conducting, employing some highly effective and idiosyncratic rubato in many passages, powerfully enhances the drama's ebb and flow. The Balcony scene fairly flows with passion, while light and breezy pacing enlivens the Folk Dance and the Young Juliet. The intense drive of Romeo's Revenge (augmented by bass drum and tambourine at the climax) Read more also rivets the attention.

Underlying all of this is the exceptionally high-caliber playing of the San Francisco Symphony, with its bracing energy, virtuosity, and rhythmic vitality. RCA's warmly spacious, wide-dynamic recording makes a powerful impression (even if it cannot match Telarc's recent SACD version for spatial realism). Considering that Thomas' arrangement contains virtually all the main thematic material from the ballet (minus Prokofiev's many repetitions), for many listeners this hugely enjoyable disc will be the one Romeo & Juliet to have and hold. [6/10/2004]

--Victor Carr Jr, ClassicsToday.com
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Works on This Recording

1. Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64: Excerpt(s) by Sergei Prokofiev
Conductor:  Michael Tilson Thomas
Orchestra/Ensemble:  San Francisco Symphony Orchestra
Period: 20th Century 
Written: 1935-1936; Paris, France 
 Date of Recording: 09/1995 
Venue:  Live  Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco 
Length: 78 Minutes 10 Secs. 
Notes: Arranged: Michael Tilson Thomas 

Sound Samples

Introduction à l'Acte I
Roméo
La rue s'éveille
La Querelle
Le Combat
L'Ordre du Duc
Interlude
La Nourrice
La jeune Juliette
Arrivée des invités
Danse des chevaliers
Mercutio
Madrigal
Gavotte
Scene du balcon
Introduction à l'Acte III
Danse folklorique
Danse avec mandolines
Réjouissances publiques
Rencontre de Tybalt et Mercutio
Le Duel
Roméo décide de venger Mercutio
Finale (Mort de Tybalt)
Roméo et Juliette
Adieux de Roméo et Juliette
Interlude
Juliette seule
Funerailles de Juliette
Mort de Juliette

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