Composer: Sergei Prokofiev, Alfred Schnittke
Performer: Yefim Bronfman
Orchestra: Cleveland Orchestra
Conductor: Franz Welser-Möst
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Cleveland Orchestra
Catalogue: TCO0003
Release: 2021
Size: 963 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
01. Schnittke: Concerto for Piano and Strings, Op. 136
Prokofiev: Symphony No. 2 in D minor, Op. 40
02. I. Allegro ben articolato
03. IIa. Theme and Variations – Theme. Andante
04. IIb. Variation 1. L’istesso tempo
05. IIc. Variation 2. Allegro non troppo
06. IId. Variation 3. Allegro
07. IIe. Variation 4. Larghetto
08. IIf. Variation 5. Allegro con brio
09. IIg. Variation 6. Allegro moderato
10. IIh. Theme
The third album on The Cleveland Orchestra’s label follows the ‘old-new’ pairing of their previous release, showcasing recordings of Prokofiev and Schnittke that cover both pre- and post-pandemic music making.
Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 2 is a beautiful and exquisitely fashioned gem, inspired by the early 20th Century’s fascination with mechanics and industry, and the ever-changing world during that era.
Franz Welser-Möst sees the work as “a fascinating examination both of the World War itself and a reflection on how it changed people’s views. This is a far-sighted view of Modernity, and shows us an Expressionist spirit that is still deeply moving – and disturbing – today.”
Schnittke’s Concerto for Piano and Strings, featuring pianist Yefim Bronfman with the orchestra’s strings, was recorded at Cleveland’s Severance Hall, during the midst of Covid-19 restrictions, as part of the orchestra’s new In Focus digital broadcast series – one of a series of new initiatives the orchestra undertook during the 2020–21 season.