The Modern Romantic
Sergei
Prokofiev
When?
April 23 1891
March 5 1953, age 61
Where?
Ukraine, (then Russia)
Prokofiev was a
Modern
composer.
Prokofiev’s most famous piece is called “Peter and the Wolf.” It is a musical story where each character is played by a different instrument. Can you guess which instrument he used for each character? What instrument would you use for the bird? Or the cat? Here is a list of the characters and instruments See how you would match them up.
Characters: Peter, the bird, the cat, Grandpa, the wolf.
Instruments: Flute, French horns, string instruments, bassoon, clarinet.
Here is what Prokofiev decided to use in his piece:
• Peter – string instruments
• The bird – flute
• The cat – clarinet
• Grandpa – bassoon
• The wolf – French horns
Prokofiev wrote some very famous ballets, including a version of Cinderella. A ballet is a special kind of story that uses music and dancers to tell the story.
Prokofiev was one of the first serious composers to write music for movies. Imagine a Harry Potter movie without the music. It wouldn’t have the same feeling or fun!
Prokofiev wrote music with jagged rhythm and clashing harmonies that don’t always sound smooth together. He wanted to create music that reflected modern life, blending modern techniques with more traditional lyrical writing.
But even when his harmonies are complex or spiky he often wrote very clear melodies that were easy to remember. This helped make his pieces popular.
Fun Facts
Both Maestros
And Tonight's Special
Over the years, Peter and the Wolf has been narrated by many famous voices, including actors, musicians, comedians, and even politicians, such as President Bill Clinton, Star Wars star Ewan McGregor and musicians Sting and Elton John!
Both Maestros
Dangerous Music
Prokofiev composed when there were very strict rules in the Soviet Union about what kind of music a person could write. Some of his music was banned, meaning people weren’t allowed to listen to it!
Both Maestros
Checkmate!
Prokofiev was so good at chess that he once played José Raúl Capablanca, who was nicknamed “The human chess machine”! Rumor has it, he won!
