Prokofiev - Symphonies 3 and 4

SERGEY PROKOFIEV (1891-1953)

Symphonies Nos. 3 and 4

Scottish National Orchestra

Neeme Järvi (Conductor)

Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Op. 44

1-I. Moderato

2-II. Andante

3-III. Allegro agitato

4-IV. Andante mosso - Allegro agitato

Symphony No. 4 in C major, Op. 47 (Original 1930 Version)

5-I. Andante assai - Allegro eroico

6-II. Andante tranquillo

7-III. Moderato, quasi allegretto

8-IV. Allegro risoluto

...Prokofiev later expressed an affinity for the work's wealth of ideas, though, and eventually got around to revising it. The new version increases in length by half over the original and turns its focus toward the epic, away from the subtle and somewhat subdued character of Op. 47. The result of Prokofiev's effort is a magnificent symphony: its opening is altogether new; the first-movement development is thoroughly reworked; and while most of the changes in the second and third movements have more to do with expansion of ideas rather than with the addition of new ones, the finale features a wholly new middle section and an extended coda which recalls the symphony's opening theme. There is a dramatic sweep to this version that is lacking in the earlier one. And while the Op. 47 may have a greater coherence in its compactness, the longer work, through thematic relationships among the movements and through an unveering musical trajectory of tension and struggle leading to bold gestures or resolving in grand climaxes, is ultimately more unified. I must say here that I am puzzled that so many musicologists favor the Op. 47 over its more grandiose sibling. They charge the later work is padded with beefed-up orchestration and note-spinning episodes. Sure, it might give the illusion of being "fat" alongside the comparatively "anorexic" original, but it's a finely crafted work, featuring many memorable melodies and distinctive harmonies all clothed in typical Prokofievian instrumentation. Which is to say it's a great piece. And while the earlier composition is the lesser of the two, it has a stature of its own, and fully deserves more attention than it's received.

In both Fourths Järvi, certainly one of the top two or three Prokofiev conductors in the world, is right on target. He does not slight the shorter work's moments of massive sonority, but manages through lively tempos and rhythmic inflection to incline them toward a rowdy, good-humored demeanor, rather than toward the epic bigness he brings out in the later work. He understands the differences between the two works and consistently displays interpretive insight. Listen, for instance, to the Op. 47/112's coda (track 8; 6:32 ff.): Järvi imparts a sinister quality to the brass theme with staccato-like accents, making the build-up that climaxes in the powerful return of the opening theme even more effective. And listen to his sensitive phrasing of either symphony's slow movement: the lyricism breathes and inner details emerge to heighten the dramatic flow. And Järvi is abetted by the spirited Scottish National Orchestra and Chandos's powerful sonics.

Clearly he stands out above his competition in both versions. (I have not yet heard the Ozawa, though I suspect from reading at least one review that he won't surpass Järvi.) And in the couplings, the Classical Symphony and Symphony No. 3, he and his forces are again superb--elegant and not overly fleet in the former, gripping and powerful in the latter. In sum, both these discs are urgently recommended.