What is Prokofiev known for?
The Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev was one of the giants of 20th century music. His works ranged from ballets – including Cinderella and Romeo and Juliet – to film music, such as Lieutenant Kije and Alexander Nevsky.
What are the 3 composition of Sergei Prokofieff?
By genre
- The Giant (1900)
- On Desert Islands (1900; unfinished)
- A Feast in Time of Plague (1903, rev. 1908–09; unfinished)
- Undina (1904–07)
- Maddalena, Op. 13 (1911–13; unfinished)
- Igrok (The Gambler), Op. 24 (1915–16, rev.
- The Love for Three Oranges, Op. 33 (1919)
- The Fiery Angel, Op. 37 (1919–27)
Was Prokofiev a good pianist?
During the 1920s and early ’30s, Prokofiev toured with immense success as a pianist in the great musical centres of western Europe and the United States. His U.S. tours in 1925, 1930, and 1933 were attended with tumultuous success and brought him new commissions, such as the Symphony No.
Is Gershwin classical?
George Gershwin is important for his great talent as a melodist in both popular and classical genres and for his chamber and orchestral works that ingeniously blend the forms and techniques of classical music with elements of popular song and jazz.
When was Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony written?
Sergey Prokofiev composed his Fifth Symphony during the fateful summer of 1944. Though the Second World War was still raging, the tide had turned in the Allies’ favor. The Soviets were pushing back the Nazis from their borders, and the US and British Allies had landed on the beaches of Normandy in June.
What are the characteristics of Prokofiev’s Symphony No 2?
Prokofiev was perhaps the greatest melodist of his time, and this symphony is full of his uniquely beautiful melodies. An upward surging figure in the basses and cellos then leads to a soft, contrasting second theme in the flute and oboe.
Why was Prokofiev so popular during WW2?
Fortunately for Prokofiev, the USSR’s entry into World War II seems to have temporarily slaked the endless search for enemies within. As a valuable cultural propaganda tool, Prokofiev’s star was on the rise: in 1943 he was even awarded the Stalin Prize (Second Class) for his Piano Sonata No. 7.
What is the second movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No 2 about?
The second movement is a fast, maniacal scherzo, full of Prokofiev’s characteristically sardonic sense of humor. The music zigs and zags unpredictably, as if the orchestra is engaged in an elaborate game of cat and mouse.