Prokofiev: Symphony No. 3, Op. 44 & Scythian Suite, Op. 20

Artistic Quality 9     Sound Quality 9

“…The Enemy God and the Dance of the Spirits of Darkness finds the orchestra on impressive form, especially as Alsop makes sure that the brass section doesn’t fake it. All in all this is a very fine effort, and certainly worth a listen for the Third Symphony particularly. “

“…Breathtaking—both the performances and the sound. “

“…[Marin Alsop] gets unfailingly good string-playing, often more sensitively nuanced than that of her rivals… “

“…Alsop and the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra deliver the Third and the Scythian Suite with powerful, incisive rhythms and volatile dynamics, which makes for exciting listening, while their performance of Autumn offers smoother gradations of textures and a gentler feeling. Naxos provides adequate reproduction with good details and clear textures… “

“…Alsop has the measure of the symphony’s structure, dramatic pacing and emotional content, drawing a bright sound from the São Paulo players, goading them into firm rhythmic propulsion and drawing out rich strands of string sound seasoned with the acerbic harmonies and instrumental clashes that lend the symphony such a powerful impulse. “ ****