Immerse yourself in a captivating journey through two iconic classical works with Sir John Pritchard at the helm. This album, released in 2002 under Warner Classics, presents a compelling blend of Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64" and Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition," masterfully orchestrated by the renowned conductor Sir John Pritchard and performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet" is a symphonic masterpiece, composed in 1935, that brings Shakespeare's timeless tragedy to life through music. The suite, spanning 19 tracks, includes highlights such as "Morning Dance," "The Young Juliet," "Dance of the Knights," and the poignant "Death of Juliet." Pritchard's interpretation brings out the dramatic intensity and romantic passion of Prokofiev's score, making it a standout feature of this album.
The second half of the album is dedicated to Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition," orchestrated by Ravel. This suite, composed in 1874, is a vivid musical depiction of an art exhibition. The 11 tracks take the listener on a journey through various scenes, from the whimsical "The Gnome" and the serene "The Old Castle" to the eerie "Catacombs" and the grand finale, "The Great Gate of Kiev." Pritchard's conducting brings a rich depth to each piece, showcasing the London Philharmonic Orchestra's versatility and brilliance.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, this album offers a substantial exploration of these two classical masterpieces. Sir John Pritchard's expertise and the London Philharmonic Orchestra's exceptional performance make this a memorable addition to any classical music collection. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64, Act 1: No. 1, IntroductionSergei Prokofiev, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64, Act 1, Scene 1: No. 4, Morning DanceSergei Prokofiev, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64, Act 1, Scene 1: No. 7, The Prince Gives His OrderSergei Prokofiev, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64, Act 1, Scene 1: No. 8, InterludeSergei Prokofiev, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64, Act 1, Scene 2: No. 10, The Young JulietSergei Prokofiev, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64, Act 1, Scene 2: No. 12, MasksSergei Prokofiev, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64, Act 1, Scene 2: No. 13, Dance of the KnightsSergei Prokofiev, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64, Act 1, Scene 2: No. 15, MercutioSergei Prokofiev, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64, Act 1, Scene 2: No. 18, Departure of the GuestsSergei Prokofiev, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64, Act 1, Scene 2: No. 19, Balcony SceneSergei Prokofiev, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64, Act 1, Scene 2: No. 20, Romeo's VariationSergei Prokofiev, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64, Act 1, Scene 2: No. 21, Love DanceSergei Prokofiev, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64, Act 2, Scene 3: No. 33, Tybalt and Mercutio FightSergei Prokofiev, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64, Act 4, Epilogue: No. 52, Death of JulietSergei Prokofiev, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Mussorgsky, Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition, M. A 24: Promenade IMaurice Ravel, Modest Mussorgsky, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Mussorgsky, Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition, M. A 24: I. The GnomeMaurice Ravel, Modest Mussorgsky, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Mussorgsky, Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition, M. A 24: Promenade IIMaurice Ravel, Modest Mussorgsky, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Mussorgsky, Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition, M. A 24: II. The Old CastleMaurice Ravel, Modest Mussorgsky, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Mussorgsky, Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition, M. A 24: Promenade IIIMaurice Ravel, Modest Mussorgsky, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Mussorgsky, Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition, M. A 24: III. TuileriesMaurice Ravel, Modest Mussorgsky, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Mussorgsky, Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition, M. A 24: IV. CattleMaurice Ravel, Modest Mussorgsky, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Mussorgsky, Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition, M. A 24: Promenade IVMaurice Ravel, Modest Mussorgsky, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Mussorgsky, Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition, M. A 24: V. Ballet of the Unhatched ChicksMaurice Ravel, Modest Mussorgsky, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Mussorgsky, Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition, M. A 24: VI. Samuel Goldenberg and SchmuÿleMaurice Ravel, Modest Mussorgsky, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Mussorgsky, Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition, M. A 24: VII. Limoges, the MarketMaurice Ravel, Modest Mussorgsky, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Mussorgsky, Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition, M. A 24: VIII. CatacombsMaurice Ravel, Modest Mussorgsky, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Mussorgsky, Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition, M. A 24: IX. Cum mortuis in lingua mortuaMaurice Ravel, Modest Mussorgsky, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Mussorgsky, Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition, M. A 24: X. The Hut on Fowl's Legs "Baba Yaga"Maurice Ravel, Modest Mussorgsky, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Mussorgsky, Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition, M. A 24: XI. The Great Gate of KievMaurice Ravel, Modest Mussorgsky, Sir John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra