Thierry Fischer & Utah Symphony release album featuring concert works inspired by Prokofiev’s film scores

The Utah Symphony and Music Director Thierry Fischer are releasing a recording inspired by Prokofiev’s film scores in late October. Fueled and inspired by the only two-concert works to be based on his music for film, the recording is set to feature the symphonic suite from Lieutenant Kijé and the Alexander Nevsky cantata.

Mr. Fisher, reflecting on the recording, stated that he feels fortunate Prokofiev was such a brilliant composer. 

“Today, it is so common to hear film music in the concert hall that we almost take it for granted, but all traditions must begin somewhere, and Prokofiev was the first real pioneer in this area,” he said. “How fortunate we are that such a brilliant composer of symphonies, sonatas, and so forth also showed us the possibilities for film music to be transformed into a powerful live experience inside the concert hall. We at the Utah Symphony are thrilled to document such early works in this tradition!"

Lieutenant Kijé, the 1934 Soviet satire of Czarist Russia that is best remembered for Prokofiev’s score, is featured on the recordings, as well as Alexander Nevsky, a 1938 historical drama directed by Sergei Eisenstein—this film is now considered a classic of Russian cinema. 

Both Alexander Nevsky and Lieutenant Kijé, are examples of the rare intersection between film and score composition, creating a stable foundation in the concert repertoire. 

The recording is unique not just for its content matter, but also for its execution. With Mr. Fischer at the helm and directing, the recording is sure to come to life. Mr. Fischer returns to the Utah Symphony Chorus for the first time since it became a notable, professional ensemble. 

The recording is set to be released on October 25 by Reference Recordings. The pre-orders for this recording are currently available from amazon.com.

For more information about the orchestra, Mr. Fischer, and the details surrounding the upcoming recordings, visit utahsymphony.org.