Prokofiev - October Cantata Op.74; The Stone Flower (excerpts)

Sergei Prokofiev: 

Cantata For the 20th Anniversary of the October Revolution*

The Stone Flower (excerpts)

Gennady Rozhdestvensky*, Neeme Jarvi

Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus*

Prokofiev's cantata is a scream, literally. Obviously no one cares about the occasion for which it was written--and, in fact, the music proved so complicated that it wasn't performed until 1966, 13 years after the composer's death. Scored for huge orchestra, choruses, a folk band of manic accordion players, extra brass, and the shouting-amplified "voice of Lenin" (here intoned with impressive volume by conductor Gennadi Rozhdestvensky), the piece makes the most ear-splitting din imaginable. It's very hard to tell whether Prokofiev was serious or not, but the fact remains that it's a riot to listen to now--a period piece in the best sense. This performance wrings every last decibel out of the composition, and you'd be crazy to ask for more! --David Hurwitz

Since its premier, Prokofiev's 'October' Cantata has generated much debate as to whether it is serious or satire. Whether Prokofiev was serious or not doesn't matter now, for there is no denying that this is great music. One cannot help but be struck by the magnificence and beauty of 'The Philosopers,' and blown away by 'Revolution.' Upon listening to the piece, it is hard to imagine that Prokofiev was being anything but satirical. The Prelude's "spectre of Communism" is nothing less than terrifying, and 'Victory' is more a lament than a celebration. The last half of 'Revolution' depicts, crudely but very effectively, the Bolsheviks' takeover. It is a fast-paced, sprawling, bombastic tour de force whose rhythmic singing, massive orchestral outbursts, marching feet, alarm bells, accordion band interruption, and, at the climax of it all, "Voice of Lenin" will leave you breathless. Prokofiev calls upon massive forces for this score, and Neeme Jarvi weilds them masterfully. This recording will have you enthralled from the massive, opening crash to the final, celebratory chord. Excerpts from 'The Tale of the Stone Flower' round off the disc, and while the Cantata proves it almost trivial by comparison, there is much to be heard here. This is the only recording of the complete Cantata, so we are truly blessed that it is such a spectacular one. This album is absolutely essential for Prokofiev fans.