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Sergei Prokofiev

Musician
Forclassical fans, opera newcomers, students of music history, and curious listeners
4 Reviews 0 Definitions 7 Charts

The Profile

Sergei Prokofiev (1891–1953) was a Russian composer, pianist and conductor, a leading voice of 20th‑century music. He wrote landmark ballets (Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella), orchestral works (Classical Symphony; Symphony No. 5), and operas (The Love for Three Oranges; The Fiery Angel). His film collaborations with Sergei Eisenstein yielded Alexander Nevsky and music for Ivan the Terrible.

The Fiery Angel received its posthumous premiere at La Fenice in 1955 (sung in Italian). The Love for Three Oranges premiered in Chicago in 1921 (in French) and initially met a cool reception. Peter and the Wolf narrates a tale where each character is portrayed by a specific instrument. Prokofiev also scored films by Sergei Eisenstein.

Three glowing reviews celebrate Prokofiev’s operatic audacity and orchestral bite. The Fiery Angel is praised for its relentless, dark intensity and posthumous 1955 premiere in Venice. The Love for Three Oranges spotlights Gozzi, commedia dell’arte, and a modernist, satirical punch. Pierino e il lupo charms with character-by-instrument storytelling and nostalgic narration.

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