CD REVIEW – Prokofiev
Suites from Cinderella and Romeo and Juliet
Ian Scott clarinet Jonathan Higgins piano
divine art dda 25232 [50:09]

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Born in Ukraine, Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) is probably best-known by light music enthusiasts for Peter and the Wolf but these ballet suites are not far behind in popularity. Both prominently feature the clarinet and Ian Scott, principal clarinet of the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, had the idea of replacing the orchestra with the solo instrument and having, as he writes in his booklet notes, "the freedom to interpret the ravishing melodies".

In this he has been totally successful alongside accompanist Jonathan Higgins, who was principal pianist in the now Birmingham Royal Ballet for 25 years from 1995, playing a Steinway Model D. This is a thoroughly delightful disc, with none of the 20 tracks being over 5:06 overstaying their welcome, which can be enjoyed at a sitting or dipped into (Dance of the Knights is here, of course) to enjoy two marvellous musicians performing pieces by a consummate composer.

There is an all-round quality to this issue in every respect, with the fine sound being engineered by Tony Faulkner at St John Evangelist Church, Oxford, in November 2021. The excellent booklet includes coloured photos and gives details of a previous release featuring Ian Scott – 'From Russia' (DDA 25223) – quoting a recommendation from the review on this website.

© Peter Burt 2023

[Although this CD is slightly outside our regular 'fare', it will surely be of interest to our readers who enjoy some rather- more 'classically-leaning' music – Ed.]