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Review by wehecht April 3, 2006 (4 of 6 found this review helpful)
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| Prokofiev's symphony #1, named by the composer "Classical", is an invention of such joy and humor that it seems impossible to dislike. In any event it's certainly at it's most enjoyable when played with the wit and charm that Maestro Swenson and the SCO display at every turn. We usually hear the 2nd violin concerto accompanied by a full symphony orchestra for all that it's scoring is very similar to the "Classical". Frankly with the small orchestra and a soloist who spends most of his time as a conductor I wasn't sure that the concerto performance would measure up to long time favorites. In terms of sheer power perhaps it doesn't, but it's a very beautiful performance that emphasizes the lyricism that we associate with the Prokofiev of the great ballets. Swenson proves himself more than capable in his dual role as soloist and conductor and the orchestra plays with great elan. The 5 melodies are Swenson's own arrangment for violin and orchestra of pieces originally composed for voice and piano and later arranged by the composer for violin and piano. The performances are of a piece with the rest of the program, underscoring the composer's melodic gift. The sound provided by Linn (I have only listened in MC)is outstanding. The scale is perfect and the balance is very fine with the soloist placed only ever so slightly more forward than in true concert perspective. The SCO has made some fine recordings for other labels, but only Linn seems able to record them in such alluring sound.
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