André Previn conducts Prokofiev’s “Lieutenant Kijé” Suite

When André Previn was appointed Chief Conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra in 1968, he immediately set about popularising classical music on British television with a highly successful series of concerts. “André Previn’s Music Night” was the title of one such series and from one of these concerts, given in Croydon’s Fairfield Hall in 1977, Previn and the LSO played Prokofiev’s “Lieutenant Kijé” Suite. The music had its origins in a score for the 1934 Soviet movie of the same name and consists of five numbers, the fourth of which, entitled “Troika" ('Sleigh Ride'), is one of Prokofiev’s most popular pieces.

[barrypoupard]

Never seen Previn filmed so consistently from the musicians sightline: his cues and stick technique are clear as a bell. Some very fine musicians in the LSO 1977 vintage. Spotted John Fletcher, Frank Mathieson, Willie Lang, Jack Brymer and the great Maurice Murphy very early in his LSO tenure fresh out of BBC Manchester.

[johnheppenstall]

Previn, a master conductor leading an orchestra of gloriously talented musicians is a joy to see and it is beautifully filmed. I don't think I've ever seen concert footage this good.
Prokoviev's music though. He knew how to spin a mirage, that guy.

[larryjohnson]

I learned of this on a stereo demo record called Sounds in Space which came with my older sister’s RCA phonograph, it took me a while to identify the song, but ever since I’ve heard it, I have been totally enthralled with it
I have no musical background, but I know what I like, and I totally love Prokiev…

[KevSm-liyy]

I first heard this music on KDKA-FM, Siloam Springs, Arkansas, in 1976. This performance brings back so many memories 😊

[paulwellings-longmore]

This work is like a masterclass in orchestration. Just in the opening section we hear every group showcased in the most extraordinary manner. But the effect is so imaginative and inventive and full of infectious melody and rhythm that everything is organic. Great performance !

[neil]

Previn and Prokofiev are always a great combination!

[scipioh]

0:20: I. "The Birth of Kijé"
4:22: II. "Romance"
8:25: III. "Kijé's Wedding"
11:20: IV. "Sleigh Ride" (Troika)
14:06: V. "Kijé's Funeral"

[leenightingale]

The sleigh ride is wonderful. One of my favorite pieces of music ever! One a light note (no pun intended) a trombonist looked like Larry Hagman to me. And I had to chuckle at the end where a guy reaches down at the last second to get his glasses and instrument. What if he dropped either one? LOL.

[greysnun]

Escuché esta obra durante toda mí infancia... Mí padre casi Doctor en música, y yo, oyente juguetona, que bailaba entre muñecas ... Hoy, con más de 50 años transcurridos, siendo también una profesional de la música, entendiendo la morfología de la obra, mezclada con lágrimas, sensaciones y sentimientos, les aseguro que han sido los 20 minutos más felices desde hace mucho tiempo en ésta audición. Gracias,

[davidgradwell]

I notice that no one has mentioned whom Lt. Kije actually was. He is a non-corporeal being! In the story (the 1934 Russian movie) a clerical mistake in military orders creates a reference to a "Lt. Kije" from a spelling error and the Czar signs off on the orders. Not having the courage to stand up to the Czar and point out the error, a weird mythology evolves around the valiant lieutenant, which sucks in the Czar and creates a situation where the creators of Kije start to believe in Kije themselves--creating a whole fantasy life around him, then presenting a state wedding of now-General Kije and, eventually, a grand funeral for the fallen hero--who never existed! All this, naturally, creates a field day for swindlers and crooks who exploit the myth to their own advantage ...It's a blend of "The Emperor's New Clothes" and "The Inspector General." This is a farcical satire that is also very timely for our time where wild conspiracies, "fake news, " scoundrels and charlatans again have found easy prey in the gullible among us...

[joshmills]

Kudos to a crack camera crew capturing the orchestral drama. They pulled this off in 1977! Fun performance, and Previn was a most worthy maestro. Genius Prokofiev evokes such a specific world.

[j.r.]

Very good tenor sax work here. Nice orchestral tone and solid projection. Good blending with the bassoon on the Troika.

[CloseToTheEdge]

To me one of the most stunning peices of music ever written!!!!

[lynnesanville]

Superb, thank you. I heard the Utah Symphony Orchestra conducted by Thierry Fischer played on the radio yesterday, and simply had to listen again. This version is top notch!

[MildnerA]

Previn is a wonderful no-nonsense conductor and skilled musician, there to help and co-ordinate his fellow orchestra musicians. Not more, not less. Great.

[banananotebook]

0:52 I love how the piccolo player raises his eyebrows when he hits those high notes. It's like something out of a disney cartoon!

[shawnlongino]

I grew up with a recording of this suite. Previn brings element to the top, so to speak, that I never noticed before.

[mez]

People will listen to this and recognise music from music they have watched. Now is their chance to hear all this beautiful music, as it originally was. Beautifully done!

[iluvpepi]

This performance is at the top for me. The Troika movement is so evocative of a sleigh ride.

[paulusrex]

Wonderful performance. This work is one that I love since my childhood.