Prokofiev's Paddy Wagon

[relm1]

I like it a great deal. Ozawa at his best, and the Berliners need no further praise.

Thanks - I'll add it to my listening list. 

[Brian]

I'm curious how people feel about the two versions of the Fourth Symphony. I've listened mainly to the bigger version in the past, but listened last night to the much shorter original. Found the first movement really benefited from a concise sonata form with clear signposting for each section/transition, and the slow movement was nice to focus on the Big Tune. Overall, there was a lightness, even lightheartedness, that reminded me of the Seventh Symphony. But I'm not sure I was sold by the rather abrupt finale. Pros and cons. I want to listen closer / more comparatively to the two versions soon.

[Karl Henning]

I'm curious how people feel about the two versions of the Fourth Symphony. I've listened mainly to the bigger version in the past, but listened last night to the much shorter original. Found the first movement really benefited from a concise sonata form with clear signposting for each section/transition, and the slow movement was nice to focus on the Big Tune. Overall, there was a lightness, even lightheartedness, that reminded me of the Seventh Symphony. But I'm not sure I was sold by the rather abrupt finale. Pros and cons. I want to listen closer / more comparatively to the two versions soon.

I'll mull a bit more to answer better,  but my back story is that I warmed to the revision/expansion slowly. When I'm back from shopping, I'll listen directly to the original. 

[Dry Brett Kavanaugh]

I like the 1st movement of the revised No. 4, but the 2nd and finale of the original.
Wikipedia provides a comparative analysis. I don't have an energy to read even one paragraph.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphony_No._4_(Prokofiev)

[Le Buisson Ardent]

I'm curious how people feel about the two versions of the Fourth Symphony. I've listened mainly to the bigger version in the past, but listened last night to the much shorter original. Found the first movement really benefited from a concise sonata form with clear signposting for each section/transition, and the slow movement was nice to focus on the Big Tune. Overall, there was a lightness, even lightheartedness, that reminded me of the Seventh Symphony. But I'm not sure I was sold by the rather abrupt finale. Pros and cons. I want to listen closer / more comparatively to the two versions soon.

I've never been too fond of the Prokofiev symphonies (for various reasons), but I'll have give a listen to both versions of the 4th and see if I hear any noticeable differences between them.

For the record, the 2nd and 6th are favorite symphonies from Prokofiev.

[Karl Henning]

I'll mull a bit more to answer better,  but my back story is that I warmed to the revision/expansion slowly. When I'm back from shopping, I'll listen directly to the original.

Having revisited both,  and I couldn't choose between the two, which may be a vindication of the composer's decision to undertake the revision. Or, it may be like a line familiar to fans of Tolkien: It is said, go not to the elves for advice, for they will say both yes and no. And so, I find myself for once questioning my earlier opinion, that I'm glad he didn't act on the plan to revise/expand the Second Symphony. 

[relm1]

I'm curious how people feel about the two versions of the Fourth Symphony. I've listened mainly to the bigger version in the past, but listened last night to the much shorter original. Found the first movement really benefited from a concise sonata form with clear signposting for each section/transition, and the slow movement was nice to focus on the Big Tune. Overall, there was a lightness, even lightheartedness, that reminded me of the Seventh Symphony. But I'm not sure I was sold by the rather abrupt finale. Pros and cons. I want to listen closer / more comparatively to the two versions soon.

I consider them two independent works, their differences are so vast.  I prefer the revised version op. 112 for its energy and vigor but also appreciate the more reflective qualities of the original but if I had to pick one, it would be the revised.  I strongly love the original version of No. 7 with the ambiguous ending rather than the forced fast ending in the revision. 

[Karl Henning]

I strongly love the original version of No. 7 with the ambiguous ending rather than the forced fast ending in the revision.

No question. The upbeat recap-codetta niffs of making Moscow bureaucrats happy.

[Dry Brett Kavanaugh]

I strongly love the original version of No. 7 with the ambiguous ending rather than the forced fast ending in the revision. 

According to the string theory and its parallel universe hypothesis, there could be numerous versions of ending somewhere!

[Dry Brett Kavanaugh]

Every time I listen to the symphony No. 4, it reminds me of the protagonist of Dostoevsky's Demons/Possessed. I don't know why.