Prokofiev: Ivan The Terrible - Irina Tchistyakova, James Rutherford, Simon Russell Beale, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Chorus, BBC National Chorus Of Wales, Leonard Slatkin / Warner Classics Audio CD 2004 / 2564 61549-2

UPC 825646154920

Product Details:

• Label: Warner Classics
• Series: BBC Proms
• Format: CD, Album
• Country: UK & Europe
• Released: 2004
• Genre: Classical
• Style: Modern, Oratorio

Overview:

Prokofiev’s Ivan the Terrible, a gripping oratorio drawn from his film score for Eisenstein’s iconic film, is brought to life in this 2004 BBC Proms performance under the direction of Leonard Slatkin. This powerful work is a blend of cinematic drama and classical innovation, featuring a large orchestra, two choruses, and a stellar cast of vocal soloists. The music portrays the tumultuous reign of Ivan IV, using vivid, evocative compositions to convey the emotional intensity of the Russian tsar’s reign.

The recording features a distinguished ensemble, including the bass-baritone James Rutherford as Ivan, mezzo-soprano Irina Tchistyakova, and the compelling voice of Simon Russell Beale. The BBC Symphony Orchestra and BBC National Chorus of Wales contribute to the dramatic scope of this monumental work, making this performance a definitive interpretation.

Highlights from the album include the powerful Coronation Sequence, the atmospheric The Tartars – The Cannon-Founders' Song, and the emotional Ivan At Anastasia’s Bier. With expert adaptation of the original text by Edward Kemp and stellar engineering by Neil Pemberton, this recording preserves the full grandeur of Prokofiev’s vision.

Track Listing:

Ivan the Terrible: Concert Oratorio (1:02:46)

1. Prolog - Ouverture – 4:10
2. Ocean-Sea - Coronation Sequence – 9:16
3. The Holy Fool – 2:11
4. The Swan - Song of Praise – 4:27
5. On The Bones of Our Enemies – 1:02
6. The Tartars - The Cannon-Founders' Song - The Storming of Kazan – 13:43
7. Ivan Entreats The Boyars – 8:12
8. The Song of the Beaver – 2:54
9. Ivan at Anastasia’s Bier – 2:31
10. The Oath of the Oprichniks – 5:29
11. Fyodor Basmanov’s Song and the Dance of the Oprichniks – 5:42
12. Finale – 3:07

Key Credits:

• Composer: Sergey Prokofiev
• Conductor: Leonard Slatkin
• Adapted by (Text): Edward Kemp
• Arranged by: Abram Stassevich
• Orchestra: BBC Symphony Orchestra
• Chorus: BBC Symphony Chorus, BBC National Chorus of Wales
• Chorus Masters: Adrian Partington (BBC National Chorus of Wales), Stephen Jackson (BBC Symphony Chorus)
• Soloists: James Rutherford (Bass-Baritone), Irina Tchistyakova (Mezzo-Soprano), Simon Russell Beale
• Engineer: Neil Pemberton
• Producer: Ann McKay
• Mastered by: Philip Ashley
• Text by: Sergey Eisenstein
• Photography: Sally Nicholls
• Liner Notes: David Nice, Nicholas Kenyon