The twenty-fifth classical recording: #773 Sergei Prokofiev - Lieutenant Kijé Suite
Composed as a film score, the movements feel like they support the different scenes - moving from mood to mood. It's fairly delicate, even the boisterous sections being fairly contained compared to the big orchestral pieces we've had before and only really used for emphasis. There is a lot of joy in the early movements and the composition keeps up a lot of energy - the fourth movement, Troika, has more speed in it, but one that follows from elsewhere as well. Even the final movement, the Funeral, maintains this with a sombre tone that still keeps moving.
While some of the impact of the composition is probably lost without the film, the score sounds good on its own and does take you through the story. The phases are distinct and compelling and make for some good listening and relistening. It might not be stirring, but it's incredibly satisfying to listen to.