(June 2020) Episode 269 is SERGEI PROKOFIEV. Boy do I love 20th Century Russian composers. He was one of the big trio of Soviet composers (with Shostakovich and Khachaturian) whose output was shaped (or crimped) by political constraints. Yet he composed masterpieces in a broad range of forms: symphonies, operas, ballets, concertos, sonatas, songs. I’m particularly fond of his early (Stravinsky-ish) modernist compositions. Most know him as the ‘Peter and the Wolf’ guy.
Favorite piece: Symphony #5
Favorite chamber piece: Cello concerto in E minor
Favorite ballet: Romeo and Juliet
Favorite opera: The Fiery Angel
Favorite solo piece: Piano sonata #6
Compared to expectations: same
Opus Project 