Prokofiev
 

Inspirational composer, however I only have symphony 5 and im wondering what else is worth looking into.

I don't know alot about Prokofiev, but I do know his piece "Montagues and Capulets." It

is the first movement of the 2nd suite "Romeo and Juliet." I like it alot, kind of gives you

that tense relation between the two families. It's one of his best know pieces.

His piece "Peter and the Wolf" is one of my favourites. The music and the text were both written by Prokofiev, and when performed the music is a background to the story. It's a children's story, but good nonetheless.

I don't know much about him aside from a piece or two now and then on cbc r2's classical.
But I think like a lot of kids, peter and the wolf was my first real intro to classical...aside from bugs bunny cartoons.
I still remember my first time with it, it was a laser light show at the planetarium, a field trip with daycare when i was maybe 4 or 5.
And i still own a cd of it today :)

There's lots of Prokofiev that's worth looking into....

-The seven symphonies, of which I personally like Nos.5, 1 and 3 the most.
I like Karajan the most for no.5, Abbado for no.1 and I've never heard one of no.3 that makes me completely happy (but I'm sure they must be out there).

-His five piano concertos, especially Nos.3, 2 and 1.
Go for Vladimir Ashkenazy (piano) if you want a complete set and/or Martha Argerich if you just want nos. 1 and 3 (Argerich's no.3 especially is legendary).

-Both violin concertos.
Kyung Wha Chung (violin) is the one to go for in my opinion.

-Peter and the Wolf.
Go for the Claudio Abbado (conductor) disc narrated by sting. This cd also has very good recordings of the first symphony and a few other shorter works.

-The ballets "Romeo and Juliet" and "Cinderella."
I prefer to experience ballet on DVD and there are several versions of these ballets available in that format. One "Romeo and Juliet" that is especially brilliant features Angel Corella and Alessandra Ferri as the main dancers.

-"Alexander Nevsky" and "Lieutenant Kije" are both essential Prokofiev and there's a very good disc out there from Claudio Abbado.

-Prokofiev was also a great opera composer. I would recommend the following DVD's:
The Love for Three Oranges (Denéve, conductor)
The Fiery Angel (Gergiev)
Betrothal in a Monastery (Gergiev)
War and Peace (Bertini)

Ahh, Prokofiev! :) :)

Like those above who mentioned liking Sergei Prokofiev's music for the ballet "Romeo and Juliet," I am extremely fond of it. I especially like his "Dance of the Knights," which starts with such drama and power, lingers tenderly on a central, delicate section, and then after some turbulence, a struggle between hope and destruction, returns to decimating power at the end. Terrific! And under six minutes! ;)

Interestingly, I was first introduced to Prokofiev due a car commercial around twenty years ago. The commercial played "Dance of the Knights" as some sleek car drove between giant, ominous, swinging metal spheres. I didn't care for the car...but that MUSIC! I was in awe.

I've searched for that commercial online without success...so you'll have to settle for the London Symphony performing the piece sans cars and mammoth pendula:

Prokofiev - "Dance of the Knights" (from his ballet "Romeo and Juliet")


Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet, No 13 Dance of the Knights (Valery Gergiev, LSO) - YouTube

^ I know Zaqarbal likes this piece, too. I remember. :)

Now, in case you have two-and-a-half hours to spare and weren't satisfied by those six minutes of music splendor, you can also watch...THE WHOLE BALLET FOR FREEEEEE!!! ! ! ! (This is where you dissolve into tears of joy.)

So wipe your eyes, pop some popcorn, turn off the lights, enlarge the YouTube screen, and sit back and enjoy...

Prokofiev - "Romeo and Juliet" (The Ballet)
Nureyev - Ballet Nacional De La Opera De Paris
Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra


Prokofiev - Romeo And Juliet - Nureyev - YouTube

Prokofiev is wonderful!

Check the Dance of the knights in Romeo and Juliet !



Sorry Vegangelica I've just saw that you've posted it! But I had to!

Prokofiev's "Dance of the Knights" is just that good, it deserves multiple postings! :p: I can understand the power of the piece compelling you to post your own paean to this great song.

Also, I prefer the performance you selected because it is just slightly slower and more stately than the one I chose (because it showed the orchestra in action).

Maybe now a third Prokofiev fan will come in and post yet another video of "Dance of the Knights." ;) We will have to wait in suspense to see what happens...

We should even create a topic only on dance of the knights: what do you feel when you hear it! :)

I am found some romantic and slow music tune to listen when i am in relaxing mind.