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Schnittke: Concerto for Piano and Strings; Prokofiev: Symphony No.2 on SACD

The third album on The Cleveland Orchestra's label follows the 'old-new' pairing of their previous release, showcasing recordings of Prokofiev and Schnittke that cover both preand post-pandemic music-making. Prokofiev's Symphony No.2 is a beautiful and exquisitely fashioned gem, inspired by the early 20th century's fascination with mechanics and industry, and the everchanging world during that era. Franz Welser-Möst sees the work as "a fascinating examination both of the World War itself and a reflection on how it changed people's views. This is a far-sighted view of Modernity, and shows us an Expressionist spirit that is still deeply moving - and disturbing - today." Schnittke's Concerto for Piano and Strings, featuring pianist Yefim Bronfman with the orchestra's strings, was recorded at Cleveland's Severance Hall, during the midst of Covid-19 restrictions, as part of the orchestra's new In Focus digital broadcast series.