PROKOFIEV: Lieutenant Kijé Suite; STRAVINSKY: Song of the Nightingale – Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Fritz Reiner – RCA Living Stereo/JVC xrcd

Recordings in the Living Stereo series from l956 and 57 –  perfect
20th century music for the dynamic and dramatic Reiner/Chicago
treatment. Even without being aware of the story behind Prokofiev’s Lt.
Kijé, I think most listeners would realize the sardonic and satirical
nature that Reiner stresses in the music. The solo trumpet is
uncredited but should be for his contributions to the five-movement
score.   Stravinsky’s Song of the Nightingale shares a story
of make-believe with Lt. Kijé, as well as concluding with a funeral
scene.  I had pretty much ignored this work of Stravinsky’s, but
Reiner gives it such clarity and impact that I found myself following
the eight movements with interest, like cues in a soundtrack album.

– John Sunier