Prokofiev-Romeo and Juliet.

November 6, 2016 9:27 PM

Prokofiev-Romeo and Juliet. He manages to be both old and young simultaneously - ages ago. Prokofiev that is. Valery Gergiev, brute, actuates, reaches and manages strength and childish enthusiasm via the LSO. (Romeo and Juliet, No 13 Dance of the Knights).
posted by vapidave (18 comments total)

I "discovered" Prokofiev as a result of the soundtrack of Love and Death and have loved his work ever since. And of course who didn't hear Peter and the Wolf at some point in school? So much vitality and humor! The violin concertos are dazzling. Thanks for the reminder that I need to dig up some old favorite vinyl and rock out with Lieutenant Kije or the Love for Three Oranges.
posted by kinnakeet at 1:36 AM on November 7, 2016

That is such a fun piece of music!
posted by james33 at 2:27 AM on November 7, 2016

I love the solo piano version of this too. My favourite Prokofiev of all has to be the 6th piano sonata as attacked by Sviatoslav Richter. I picked up a ’60s Supraphon LP with his 2nd piano concerto on it the other day for a pound: bargain! I’ll be putting that on again later: thanks for the post, vapidave.
posted by misteraitch at 2:58 AM on November 7, 2016 [1 favorite]

I love this piece of music, I've always associated with steam hammers, heavy machinery and a certain sort of soviet productivity.
It pains me deeply that most people in the UK know it from the TV show The Apprentice.
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 4:10 AM on November 7, 2016 [1 favorite]

Prokofiev rocks!
Another gem is his Symphony No. 1 "Classical" - everything in 14 minutes!
posted by carter at 4:55 AM on November 7, 2016 [2 favorites]

Gergiev's hands and body language are kinda Joe Cocker-ish... :)
posted by anguspodgorny at 5:08 AM on November 7, 2016

Ooh also check out Alexander Nevsky. The movie too, it's a bit of soviet propaganda from the 1930's
posted by dabug at 5:09 AM on November 7, 2016 [1 favorite]

Here is that scene in the ballet, choreographed by Nureyev.
posted by ChuraChura at 5:12 AM on November 7, 2016 [5 favorites]

Prokofiev had a gift for melody like no one else. My favorites have to be the Sinfonia Concertante (played by Rostropovich, to whom it was dedicated), his 5th Symphony, and 6th Symphony.
posted by mubba at 8:09 AM on November 7, 2016 [2 favorites]

Oh man this is such a fun piece to play too. And does it remind of you of anything? Here is a great low brass section rehearsal joke on the Prokofiev / Star Wars connection.
posted by rossination at 8:24 AM on November 7, 2016 [1 favorite]

I saw this used as a kid to accompany the Greek trireme fleets and will never be able to disassociate that.
posted by Acey at 9:51 AM on November 7, 2016

This is one of the best made symphonic videos, I have ever seen. It is an excellent tool for teaching children about various instruments, and then the rare and personalized instruments are lovely. The videography is excellent, and Gergiev is captivating.
posted by Oyéah at 9:58 AM on November 7, 2016

It pains me deeply that most people in the UK know it from the TV show The Apprentice

Despite being familiar with the piece before that, the Apprentice association has entirely ruined my ability to enjoy it.
posted by Dysk at 10:44 AM on November 7, 2016

5th symphony, Nevsky is great, So's Love for Three Oranges and Lieutenant Kijé.
posted by Twang at 12:59 PM on November 7, 2016

Ah, I was pretty sure I knew which piece this was and it's one of my favorites, though I've always known it as Montagues and Capulets, which I guess is the popular title? We played it back in Youth Orchestra in high school.
posted by Four Ds at 1:34 PM on November 7, 2016

Wow, the costumes in the Nureyev-choreographed vid above are a master class in focusing attention on key players. Thanks for posting!
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 2:48 PM on November 7, 2016 [1 favorite]

I don't remember whether it's the same production as the one I linked above, but the full La Scala ballet production, with Alessandra Ferri and Angel Corella, is on YouTube and it's beautiful!
posted by ChuraChura at 3:13 PM on November 7, 2016

Hey! Thanks for this! I have had this in my head for the last couple of days. I especially liked the Nureyev choreographed dance to this music. It made raking leaves great today.
posted by Oyéah at 7:23 PM on November 10, 2016