Recorded during concerts of September 20-24, 1995 in Louise Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco
Michael Tilson Thomas's watershed disc Romeo and Juliet: Scenes from the Ballet illustrates his conductorial strengths: rhythmic drive, dramatic thrust, fairly wide tempo variations, firm control of orchestral balances, and a questing musical vision (he's assembled his own suite rather than use the standard versions). It also confirms his affinity for Russian music--he obviously relishes Prokofiev's folk-inspired tunes. There's a welcome touch of volatility, too; faster sections have a propulsive forward motion, with an explosive quality to scenes like the snappy "Folk Dance" and the fight music. The conception is symphonic--it might be hard for dancers to sustain the slow tempos imposed on some scenes--and the orchestra, aside from a hint of leanness in the strings, plays superbly. Lavishly lush sonics. A feast for the ears.
- Dan Davis
Track listing:
1 Introduction To Act I 2:45
2 Romeo 1:41
3 The Street Awakens 1:26
4 The Quarrel 1:46
5 The Fight 2:35
6 The Duke’s Command 1:40
7 Interlude 2:12
8 Nurse 2:16
9 Young Juliet 3:37
10 Arrival Of The Guests 4:11
11 Dance Of The Knights 4:34
12 Mercutio 2:16
13 Madrigal 2:00
14 Gavotte 2:47
15 Balcony Scene 8:15
16 Introduction To Act III 1:14
17 Folk Dance 4:06
18 Dance With Mandolins 1:55
19 Public Merrymaking 2:47
20 The Meeting Of Tybalt And Mercutio 1:45
21 The Duel 1:23
22 Romeo Decides To Avenge Mercutio 1:13
23 Finale: The Death Of Tybalt 2:21
24 Romeo And Juliet 1:17
25 Romeo And Juliet At Parting 3:24
26 Interlude 1:24
27 Juliet Alone 1:53
28 Juliet’s Funeral 6:07
29 Juliet’s Death 3:04
