Prokofiev suites for children? I know what you're thinking -
Peter and the Wolf. But Sergei Prokofiev also wrote other music for the young ones, including the two relatively unfamiliar suites contained on this LP. It dates from 1966, and features two fine Czech ensembles. The recording originated with Supraphon; my transfer is from the US label Crossroads.
The
Summer Day Suite is Prokofiev's orchestration of several pieces in his
Music from Children, dating from 1935. The orchestral suite debuted 10 years later. This delightful work receives a smooth performance from the Prague Chamber Orchestra, working without conductor.
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| Alois Klíma |
A Winter Camp Fire comes from 1950. Here it is heard without the narration contained in the score, but with the children's chorus in the "Choir of Pioneers" section. The Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra plays well under its longtime conductor, Alois Klíma.
The sound is good, although the original lacked bass and was below pitch. I have addressed both those issues. Not sure what Michael Mendel's cover on the Crossroads LP is supposed to represent, but it is striking.
The transfer results from a request on another site; I thought readers here would enjoy it, too.
