Classical CD Choice‘s Graham Williams reviews the Utah Symphony and Thierry Fischer’s Prokofiev: Alexander Nevsky – Lieutenant Kijé Suite recording:

“Discerning collectors are used to releases from the Reference Recordings label receiving effusive plaudits, not only for the high artistic level of the performances but especially for the thrilling audiophile sound quality that brings listening at home to a new level of enjoyment.  This latest spectacular recording from Thierry Fischer and the Utah Symphony of two of Prokofiev’s most popular film related scores will assuredly continue that trend. … Over more than ten seasons as musical Director of the Utah Symphony Thierry Fischer has moulded the orchestra into a wonderfully responsive and virtuoso body of musicians as the playing here clearly demonstrates.  His tempi throughout are well judged, closer to Prokofiev’s markings than some versions on disc, and his pacing of the work always displays clear musical and dramatic purpose.  The purely orchestral movement ‘Russia under Mongolian Tyranny’ that opens the work is  just one example of the sensitive and atmospheric playing on offer. … The large chorus, well drilled by director Barlow Bradford, comprises the Utah Symphony Chorus, University of Utah A Capella Choir and the University of Utah Chamber Choir.  Their legato singing in the ‘Song of Alexander Nevsky’ is quite lovely as is their discipline and precision… The multi-channel 5.0 recording, made and post produced in 64fs DSD, offers a degree of aural realism not to be found in any rival medium, but is shown to particular advantage in large-scale orchestral and choral pieces such as these. … This stunningly recorded disc with 60 minutes of compelling music performed with style and verve will almost certainly make it the go-to choice for a modern version these two works.”

—Graham Williams, Classical CD Choice

See the full review on CDChoice.co.uk

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