When confronted with a disc called Prokofiev -- An Introduction, the inevitable first question is "how apt an introduction is it?" The answer is: fairly apt. While the program clearly leans toward the well known -- the "Troika" from Lieutenant Kije, the March from The Love for Three Oranges and, of course, Peter and the Wolf are all here -- and the well loved -- the "Classical" Symphony plus four excerpts from the Romeo and Juliet ballet -- this is entirely right and proper. Most listeners will already know most of this music -- the "Troika" from
Woody Allen's movie Love and Death, the March from the radio and television shows The FBI in Peace and War, Peter and the Wolf from childhood -- and the rest is immediately appealing -- who couldn't enjoy the rip-roaring Finale from the "Classical" Symphony? who wouldn't fall in love with the sensually lush Romeo and Juliet music? -- a combination that's exactly right for an introduction. The second question is "how good are the performances?" The answer is: better than most but not as good as some.
Neeme Järvi is a practiced conductor who gets what he wants from the more than willing Scottish National Orchestra. In this case, what he wants is sprightly and colorful playing with plenty of warmth, if not a whole lot of depth. But that in itself is wholly apt for an introduction -- who, after all, really wants a deep Peter and the Wolf? The third and last question is "how good is the sound?" And the answer is fine for early digital, that is, clear if a bit too clean and hard. As the cornerstone in a
Prokofiev collection, then, this disc is more than adequate if less than inspiring.