Paavo Jarvi and The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Release All-Prokifiev Disc

Lieutenant Kijé Suite and Symphony No. 5 in B-flat Major, Mark 13th Telarc/Järvi Recording

The 13th Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Telarc recording with Music Director Paavo Järvi is an all-Prokofiev disc, to be released January 22, 2008, in CD and SACD formats. The repertoire includes Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5 in B-flat Major and Lieutenant Kijé Suite. The disc showcases the two sides of Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5 shows a dramatic and serious side, while the Lieutenant Kijé Suite represents a more playful approach.

“I have always wanted to record Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5,” says Järvi. “I consider it one of the best symphonies of the 20th century. Symphony No. 5 is brilliant in its newness, language and construction. On the other hand, Lieutenant Kijé Suite shows the much lighter side of Prokofiev as he brings the character to life in a unique and almost comical way.”

Both pieces read like an homage to Prokofiev’s Mother Russia. While it has no program, Symphony No. 5 coincidentally became an expression of Russian pride, because at the time of its premiere, Russia’s army was victorious over Germany. One of Prokofiev’s most accessible pieces, Symphony No. 5 expresses optimism and a depth of direct emotion.

Lieutenant Kijé Suite, a cinema piece, was written for Alexander Feinzimmer’s film based on a satirical story by Yuri Tinyanov and mirrors the mischievousness of the script about a make-believe military character.