jhar26

There's lots of Prokofiev that's worth looking into....

-The seven symphonies, of which I personally like Nos.5, 1 and 3 the most.
I like Karajan the most for no.5, Abbado for no.1 and I've never heard one of no.3 that makes me completely happy (but I'm sure they must be out there).

-His five piano concertos, especially Nos.3, 2 and 1.
Go for Vladimir Ashkenazy (piano) if you want a complete set and/or Martha Argerich if you just want nos. 1 and 3 (Argerich's no.3 especially is legendary).

-Both violin concertos.
Kyung Wha Chung (violin) is the one to go for in my opinion.

-Peter and the Wolf.
Go for the Claudio Abbado (conductor) disc narrated by sting. This cd also has very good recordings of the first symphony and a few other shorter works.

-The ballets "Romeo and Juliet" and "Cinderella."
I prefer to experience ballet on DVD and there are several versions of these ballets available in that format. One "Romeo and Juliet" that is especially brilliant features Angel Corella and Alessandra Ferri as the main dancers.

-"Alexander Nevsky" and "Lieutenant Kije" are both essential Prokofiev and there's a very good disc out there from Claudio Abbado.

-Prokofiev was also a great opera composer. I would recommend the following DVD's:
The Love for Three Oranges (Denéve, conductor)
The Fiery Angel (Gergiev)
Betrothal in a Monastery (Gergiev)
War and Peace (Bertini)