Prokofiev: Romeo & Juliet

By the time Prokoviev came to write this great ballet in 1935, Russia was the only country that still had a tradition of "classical" ballet--that is, full-length works of several hours with a single coherent story line. Prokofiev's model was Tchaikovsky, and like his predecessor, he encountered severe problems getting the work produced. The dancers thought the music too complicated and unsuitable for dancing, and so the piece was first performed in Czechoslovakia, only later making a triumphant stage debut at the Bolshoi. It has never been out of the repertoire since. This recording set a new standard of orchestral excellence in performance of this music, and is still the version of choice for the complete ballet. --David Hurwitz