Prokofiev: Suite from Romeo & Juliet

Sergei Prokofiev's "Prokofiev: Suite from Romeo & Juliet" is a captivating orchestral journey through the timeless tale of love and tragedy, composed in 1935 and brought to life by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Riccardo Muti. This album, released on CSO Resound in 2014, offers a live performance of selected suites from Prokofiev's iconic ballet, inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The suites are a masterful blend of vigorous rhythms, lyrical melodies, and folkloric dance scenes, showcasing Prokofiev's distinctive style that seamlessly transitions from bold, dissonant passages to romantic, tender themes. Highlights include the powerful "Montagues and Capulets" and the poignant "Romeo and Juliet" theme, as well as the delicate "The Young Juliet" and the dramatic "Death of Tybalt." With a duration of 48 minutes, this album is a testament to Prokofiev's genius and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's virtuosity, offering a rich and immersive listening experience.