This is definitely a worthwhile ballet. I have several recordings of the ballet and suite. A pianist actually performed a transcription of the entire ballet and it was quite good that way.

I first heard On The Dnieper a couple of years ago and was knocked out by its slightly odd and very idiosyncratic quality. For instance, I swear I can hear Prokofiev playing around with a kind of off-key jazzy blues in The Betrothal (from 6:13) and again in the Epilogue but that could just be me and my quirky points of reference! Whatever might be the case, thanks for taking the trouble to reconstruct this suite from the complete 40 minute ballet.

@tonyobadinage6647

5 жыл бұрын

Morning Max, marvelous piece this, isn't it? I don't know this as well as you and listened hard when "The Betrothal" kicked in. I tend to agree with you and this was probably as near to a jazzy style that Prokofiev felt comfortable with, given the oppressive artistic stance taken by the authorities at the time. I don't know why but this part put me in mind of West Side Story... I can't explain why!

@maxmerry8470

5 жыл бұрын

Sorry to be late in replying, Tony. Dreaded Lurgy struck me last night and I found it difficult to keep any food down! At moment I can't even listen to music, let alone comment on it..........

@tonyobadinage6647

5 жыл бұрын

Hope you feel better soon, Max :)

@maxmerry8470

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Tony. Hoping it's just a 24-hour virus. Re this Prokofiev piece, I think he was resident in France at time he composed it which might have allowed him a bit more artistic freedom? Edit: Yes, it was a, mercifully, very short-lived ailment!

Szergej Prokofjev:A Dnyeperen - Balettszvit Op.51bis 1. Nyitány: Andante dolce (quasi andantino) 00:00 2. Az első tánc variáció: Allegro vivace e ben marcato 02:19 3. Az eljegyzés: Andante 06:13 4. A veszekedés: Allegro precipitato 13:22 5. Jelenet: Moderato 15:49 6. Epilógus: Andante amoroso 19:55 Orosz Állami Szimfonikus Capella Vezényel:Gennagyij Rozsgyesztvenszkij