OP1909. THE GAMBLER (Prokofiev), Broadcast Performance, 7 April, 1974, w.Lazarev Cond. Bolshoi Theatre Ensemble; Alexei Maslennikov, Makvala Kasrashvili, Alexander Ognivtsiev, Galina Borisova, etc. 2–Opera d’Oro Grand Tier 7058, incl. 68-pp. libretto-brochure, w.historic photos. - 723721373658

CRITIC REVIEW:

“Prokofiev considered his operas to be among his most important works given the amount of time he devoted to them and to his persistent, largely unsuccessful attempts to get them produced. His first mature opera, ‘The Gambler’ was to have had its premiere in St. Petersburg, but the Russian Revolution intervened and it didn't receive its first performance until a 1927 production in Brussels. Since the 1960s ‘The Gambler’ has hovered around the periphery of the repertoire, and this performance comes from the 1974 Bolshoi Opera première. It's taken from a radio broadcast….The Bolshoi apparently pulled out all the stops for this belated première, with the production's elaborate scenic elements and very thorough musical...”