Prokofiev - Symphony No. 2, Op. 40 (Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, Valery Gergiev)

[@IvanIV05]

I came to Prokofiev's symphonies from his piano concertos which I loved and I wanted to hear more of his music. Somehow #2 was the first one I heard 🤣It was a proper shock and I thought I would never like his symphonies the way I loved his piano concertos. Now I hardly listen to the concertos anymore, too busy with the symphonies, haha. #2 is my favourite.

[@betweenlakes]

I'm one later than you. #3 was my first and still my favourite, but #2 is a close second (and #5 & #7 tied for third). Never been as much a fan of his concertos or piano works, though.

[@jdawi]

Para entender la estructura del segundo movimiento 12:40 Tema: Andante 14:40 Variación 1: L'istesso tempo 16:12 Variación 2: Allegro non troppo 18:47 Variación 3: Allegro 20:55 Variación 4: Larghetto (Gergiev tenía cita con el dentista) 25:39 Variación 5: Allegro con brio 28:19 Variación 6: Allegro moderato 33:30 Tema

[@juliaromero7512]

I haven't tried listening to Prokofiev symphonies before, but yesterday I heard his symphony no 1 and it became an instant favourite. I decided to listen to his second one-which is this one-I was completely shocked about how different they are. As I listen to this I was starting to realise that Prokofiev might be my favourite composer when it comes to symphonies. 😂

[@gamerdaddy]

Hi there. I find Prokofiev's 1st simphony DELICIOUS. But this one (his 2nd simphony) I find it SO BORING, hahaha...

[@stefansavic3459]

​@@gamerdaddy It is opposite, this symphony is extremely interesting, and first is a bit boring, cute exercise.

[@erenvardar9677]

the first symphyony is called the “Classical Symphony” pretending like Haydn lives today and compose such a symphony. So the actual style of Prokofiev is not like the first one 😂 You can also understand that from his piano concertos

[@alejov923]

This is the Prokofiev I love. Aggressive and loud. The same Prokofiev of "Seven, they are Seven", "The Gambler" and "The Love for Three Oranges".

[@markpaterson2053]

Yeah, film composers owe him so much.

[@christophertinker]

The opening of the second movement (theme) is one of the most beautiful moments in all Prokofiev for me.

[@ggrey5990]

The sound engineering and production on this are superlative. Pays full respect to the musicianship. Incredible.

[@lyricaltones]

Wonderful invention, courage, aggressiveness, complexity, inner freedom, and yet logic. Simply Prokofiev.

[@esredson]

Such a wonderful piece! Even though Prokofieved once said he did not understand this work himself, we begin to - modestly - grasp its beauty after a few listenings, as is usual to great compositions. And so we realize it's not that aggressive after all. It's like its beautiful melodies are just under disguise. :-)

[@davebarclay4429]

Prokofiev apparently said that this symphony (which was poorly received at its first performance) gave him doubts about his own ability as a composer. He planned a full revision but died before he was able to complete it. Personally I'm glad that this strange, abrasive, "iron and steel" masterpiece has come down to us untouched. An excellent performance and, as another comment says, a superbly engineered and produced recording.

[@IvanIV05]

We would have both versions like we have of #4. It would be fascinating to compare what he had done with it. Personally I like the original #4 more.

[@betweenlakes]

At least he didn't do the Sibelius thing and ask for it back from the publishers so he could "delete" it in the fireplace. The early works are so important for any composer, sometimes they have to be protected FROM the composer as he gets older and more critical.

[@tonywatson414]

This is the best performance of the first movement I have heard. The steady tempo and the fact that the musicians don't force the music means that all the details are revealed. Too often orchestras take a savage approach to this movement when there is no need as the music will speak for itself. The second movement is excellent too.

[@sergei-prokofiev]

You might also want to give walter wellers performance a go, it's really cool!!!

[@BritinIsrael]

So much matured following the 1st Symphony . The same maturity exhibited between the 1st and second Piano concertos. By the way, both of the "1sts" are great music!

[@timweatherill3738]

Such a supremely ARTICULATE performance!

[@HAROUEN]

This music is Prokofiev's thought or philosophy. I'm moved.

[@4980cbs]

This symphony is terrific.

[@ZOGGYDOGGY]

Revolutionary! You can feel the pulse of history and who makes it. Bravo!

[@carmenm1026]

Amazing Valerie Gergiev

[@betweenlakes]

Am besten

[@Carlofdutyy]

Dios, amo ésta sinfonía como a nada. Me encanta!!!

[@vine2197]

:>

[@christhornley1664]

I love Prokofiev's early work. This is a staggering symphony, a work of great harmonic complexity, and relentless energy. It creates a sense of fragmentation, distortion and dislocation similar to Cubism when the image is broken and can be seen at many angles at the same time, like a reflection in a fractured mirror.

[@opernballfin2886]

Chris Thornley Exactly, I thought cubism too

[@sethoflagos2880]

.... and I love it because he scores solo lines for IVth trumpet. Power to the proletariat! ;-)

[@tanewsha4183]

1:01 гл.п 1 ч 2:22 св.п 3:03 п.п 4:37 з.п 12:42 2 ч

[@sunsunsunh]

the quality of the recording is astonishing

[@ZOGGYDOGGY]

I love the 2nd as much I love Prokofiev's "Scythian Suite". Prokofiev's music is a libidinous flow. Thanks so much for this wonderful performance!

[@andrewdaws7275]

A superb, controlled, brilliant account of this extraordinary work.

[@estrellalecca7361]

Me encanta la filmación, hace resaltar a cada músico. Todos son admirables.

[@clive7092]

Oh that bloody finger flicking he does!

[@mazactal6063]

Absolute masterpiece.......prokofiev spent some 10 years working on this and apparently loved it himself.........a work of such complexity and depth takes many listenings to sink in......the first movement's architecture is phenomenal.....one of 20th century's masterpieces......ranks up there with his second piano concerto

[@TheMoskvitin]

Prokofiev spent exacly 9 months working on it, although he did indeed work very hard.

[@Puma5]

Prokofiev had worked on a complete rewrite of the symphony just before his death. So apparently he wasn't THAT content with it.

[@Puma5]

A Channel on KZbin My answer was actually directed at Mazac Tal. What you have quoted of him saying is correct.

[@penguin3298]

what's wrong with you

[@YuliaSerbulenko]

it's marvelous

[@genevievebauer323]

J'aime voir l'orchestre, le chef et les musiciens sur l'écran. Cela double l'in érêt.

[@jotdee]

the tune from 22:25 is stunning...

[@henrygingercat]

Prokofiev at his most feral. Love it.

[@РоманА.Б]

Превосходная запись! Огромное спасибо!

[@YesYouAreAbsolutelyCorrect]

I became crazy about this piece recently.

[@makyhsmakyhs6766]

Why

[@YesYouAreAbsolutelyCorrect]

@@makyhsmakyhs6766 as my friend said, when we first heard it live "it has absolutely everything a classical music piece can offer". It's endlessly beautiful, and it opens up every time you relisten it. And it may be the only piece that captures mid 1910s Prokofiev (when he went in Stravinsky mode for a while) and later Prokofiev style. The first part is pure metal in every sense of this word. And the moment you get the constant development of the melody in the second part - you'll never forget it, it stays with you forever. There's that haunting beauty you get from the melody of the Prokofiev's Piano Concerto 3 third part (the one which starts with octaving reeds), only here it's mood is never obvious, the tension is never released fully.

[@makyhsmakyhs6766]

@@YesYouAreAbsolutelyCorrect very good analysis and high level of tasting such difficult symphony !

[@makyhsmakyhs6766]

@@YesYouAreAbsolutelyCorrect yes right he is imitating igor stravinsky !

[@YesYouAreAbsolutelyCorrect]

@@makyhsmakyhs6766 I disagree. It's very much Prokofiev. The Jester was kind of more of Stravinsky. This one is not, the melody structure is his own and the orchestration also. Early Stravinsky had very a distinct counterpointing style, and Prokofiev never copied it.

[@KhunThomat]

I didn't know that John Cleese plays lead Oboe at the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra...

[@gerdlindlar1980]

great

[@brianrussel6012]

(guest) Is this symphony programmatic? I adore his Symphony number 1, but this is more difficult... I always admire the excellent team work from orchestras, to share music with us. 🇬🇧😊🎼🎻😊🎹🇬🇧

[@MrDavide914]

I definitely like it

[@genevievebauer323]

Grandiose !

[@alexandrkolesnikov9062]

Сколько здесь нас, влюбленных в Прокофьева, со всего света) 2 часть так прекрасна! Последние две минуты и последний аккорд-это нечто! Они на одной летающей тарелке прилетели вместе со Скрябиным и Рахманиновым!!!!

[@LuizBHMG]

Das obras musicais mais insanas que existem! Este primeiro movimento é um dos mais ímpares fenômenos da história da música. Sem comparação. Esta é uma de minhas interpretações favoritas.

[@joaocalife9996]

Entrei agora (tardiamente, admito) no mundo da música clássica, e esse estilo industrial, abrasivo de Prokofiev me agrada extremamente, acho que o mundo dos dias dele e o nosso são filhos da mesma crise de identidade, da mesma marcha ensandecida. Pareces mais sábio que eu no conhecimento de peças musicais como essa, podes me apontar uma direção para seguir? Gostaria de me aprofundar mais nesse universo, e descobrir mais sobre o mundo e mim mesmo no processo.

[@carlosgohn6835]

@@joaocalife9996 Que beleza de comentário, João. Faço minhas as suas palavras. Saudações do Brasil

[@vine2197]

​@@joaocalife9996 try prok symphony 6

[@Евпатий7]

Прокофьев сильнейший композитор! # 2, Ре минор, "кованая из железа"! Prokofiev himself called the symphony " forged from iron". I imagine a war of the worlds.

[@bodiesinthewater]

Я всегда ассоциирую эту симфонию с сильнейшей тревогой, болью во второй части и смирением в финале. Как будто жизнь человека рушится на наших глазах.

[@germanquintero10121946]

exquisito

[@markpaterson2053]

At exactly 18:15 one violinist cracks a remark to his colleague, who smirks. I wonder what he could have said above the sound of the orchestra.

[@StravaleReviewsBeer]

Masterpiece

[@ediccartman7252]

Pretty sure Gergiev thought about Stravinsky's "Petroushka" when playing one episode in the 2nd movement(starts from 25:40 and until about 28:20).....And indeed the time this symphony was written was that when Stravinsky was the sun among thousands of small stars . And who knows maybe this hidden tribute was exactly the feeling he was in the shadow of the sun, and unwillingness to accept it made him decided to go back to the USSR.

[@Евпатий7]

Sometimes it's like Stravinsky's music, "Petrushka". Yes!

[@gabrieleevangelista2636]

Dynamite!

[@onglinwei2418]

So different from his first....

[@slateflash]

My favourite part is variation 3 (starting at 18:47) but I struggle to hear how it is a variation of the theme material?? Is anyone else able to figure this out?? Also the percussion at 19:57 should be a snare drum instead of tambourine. Not sure why they got that mixed up

[@Puma5]

Compared to other recordings I've listened to, this one by Gergiev seems to be the perfect tempo and a great performance overall! Is there some other comparable one out there?

[@betweenlakes]

I think Gergiev is just on the same wavelength as Prokofiev. His performances are always the best, at least they're the best I've found. (Theodore Kuchar a close second.)

[@dummydsc]

тяжелая музыка сочиненная в тяжелое время

[@adamtredanari2260]

WHY DO YOU MADE "PROKOVIEV-SYMPHONY NO. 5 OPUS 100 (MARIINSKY THEATRE ORCHESTRA, VALERY GERGIEV)" PRIVATE ?!?!?!!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? AND THE SYMPHONY NO. 1 PROKOVIEV TOO?!?!?!??!?! WE WANT THEM PUBLIC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@samuelfeinberg-conductorco6367]

Jeez the first movement's tempo is what I did in rehearsals.... should be quicker imo

[@betweenlakes]

(Donald Trump . gif) Wrong

[@NigarSuleyman99]

22:24 ❤

[@AbsurdistSagas]

All I can say is.... YES

[@penguin3298]

So Prokofiev. When he does not understand himself, that is what Prokofiev is to me haha

[@novembre80]

The first movement is named "Allegro ben articolato" not articulato...

[@DLxFC]

Let me just say the music looks just as spastic as it sounds, played this in 2019 and it was the worst rusted soviet factory conveyer belt mixed with rusty Chernobyl swing sets sounding piece I've ever heard and played, however there were some good parts and very interesting and complex sections that could have been something great on a music theory standpoint. We were the first orchestra in our area to play this piece since the 1950s and for good reason.

[@허운-b6x]

1번으로부터 갑작스런 도약

[@regularchannel3181]

22:25 Halloween music

[@shin-i-chikozima]

Abstracted melody.

[@organbuilder272]

Distracting might be more appropriate.

[@HesapçıAkıl]

10:51 )

[@HesapçıAkıl]

33:25))

[@hellojrjr11]

12:15

[@twhndrd2008]

I'm sorry but I don't think this is a good recording of a symphony I really like. There are so many effects here especially in the first movement he just doesn't do anything with and you have to rely on dynamics and having a unison sound for a piece like this to work. I recommend hearing Valery Polanskys recording on Spotify

[@slateflash]

I love Polyansky's recording but the annoying thing for me is that there's that one part where the trumpets are a wee bit late otherwise it's fantastic

[@vmontbrillant446]

N'apporte quoi! Pffffff.