This is without doubt one of the best CDs I own, and surely the best contemporary one. The orchestra performs so cleanly and magically that you don't even realize that there are instruments playing the melodies, just a story being told. (which is the point, you're not listening to music, but rather a story) I think Prokofiev captured the spirit of the play really, really well; themes such as the shrill highs and unsettling lows of Tybalt Recognizes Romeo really give me the chills and develop the characters. Other highlights include the Dance of the Knights, Romeo Resolves to Avenge Mercutio (the buildup after the violent repeating percussion halfway through the track is enchantingly Prokofiev-esque--the themes building upon one another, really making the listener feel for him/herself the grief and anger), and the pretty but faintly creepy and forboding Morning Serenade. The Epilogue, luckily, tops even these, and you really feel Romeo's despair as he dances with lifeless Juliet. This is one of those CDs that I thought mediocre upon first listening, but upon second and third I fell in love. Beautiful beyond words. Now I want to see the ballet! --Tyler Kerce "russophile" Listen to samples
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