Thomas Schippers - Prokofiev: Alexander Nevsky, Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition (1962, 1965) [2003 SACD]

Here’s another winner from Sony, Prokofiev’s cantata recorded Feb. 18, 1961, and Pictures recorded Jan. 11, 1965, all analog recordings made, fortunately, in the warmth of Manhattan Center. As with the Boulez Bartók, these were recorded in quad, with spectacular results. Richard King is listed as “sound mix engineer,” Woody Pornpitaksuk as DSD Authoring Engineer. Sound is splendid, with solid bass not suggested by LP issues of either of these performances. Schippers, then at the peak of his short-lived career, leads a magnificent performance of the Prokofiev and a virtuoso reading of Mussorgsky’s colorful trip through the gallery. Highly recommended.

Tracks:

Prokofiev: Alexander Nevsky, cantata for mezzo-soprano, chorus & orchestra, Op. 78:
1. Russia Under the Mongolian Years
2. Song About Alexander Nevsky
3. The Crusaders in Pskov
4. Arise, Ye Russian People
5. The Battle On The Ice
6. The Field Of the Dead
7. Alexander’s Entry into Pskov

Mussorgsky-Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition
8. Promenade
9. Gnomus
10. Promenade
11. Il vecchio castello
12. Promenade
13. Tuileries
14. Bydlo
15. Promenade
16. Ballet of the Chicks in Their Shells
17. Samuel Goldenburg and Schmuyle
18. The Marketplace at Limoges
19. Catacombae, sepulchrum romanum
20. Con mortuis in lingua mortua
21. The Hut on Fowl’s Legs
22. The Great Gate at Kiev

Personnel:

Choir – The Westminster Choir* (tracks: 1-7)
Conductor – Thomas Schippers
Contralto Vocals – Lili Chookasian (tracks: 1-7)
Orchestrated By – Maurice Ravel (tracks: 8-22)
New York Philharmonic