The Music of Sergei Prokofiev

Sergei Prokofiev was one of the most important Russian pianist-composers at the turn of the 20th century. The eccentric young composer became dissatisfied with the conservative musical styles propagated by his conservatory education, and upon his arrival on the St. Petersburg musical scene, he developed the reputation as an enfant terrible. His innovative compositions would eventually gain him great success as one of the premiere modernist composers in Europe and the Soviet Union during the 20th century. In this course, we listen to some of Prokofiev’s most important orchestral compositions, such as Romeo and Juliet, the Classical Symphony, the music for the film Alexander Nevsky, as well as some of his monumental piano concertos and piano sonatas. This course will be recorded. Students will have access to the video for 30 days.