“Prokofiev’s music is less profound/tragic and more cosmopolitan than Shostakovich’s”…and that’s precisely why I prefer him over his younger compatriot! Shostakovich was undoubtedly a great composer, but most of the time I’m not in the mood to grapple with his angsty soundworld, whereas Prokofiev’s melodic genius and wittiness appeals to me any time of the day. All this isn’t to say that Prokofiev didn’t have his darker moments, though - witness the 3rd and 6th symphonies, the 1st violin sonata, and (best of all) the harrowing climax of the slow movement of the 5th symphony. The darker emotions in Prokofiev’s music are all the more affecting/disturbing since we don’t always expect them from him.
The Muti Romeo and Juliet is absolutely fabulous!!!
Prokofiev had character - and good tunes!
So true--an amazing melodic gift and thoroughly original.
“Prokofiev’s music is less profound/tragic and more cosmopolitan than Shostakovich’s”…and that’s precisely why I prefer him over his younger compatriot! Shostakovich was undoubtedly a great composer, but most of the time I’m not in the mood to grapple with his angsty soundworld, whereas Prokofiev’s melodic genius and wittiness appeals to me any time of the day. All this isn’t to say that Prokofiev didn’t have his darker moments, though - witness the 3rd and 6th symphonies, the 1st violin sonata, and (best of all) the harrowing climax of the slow movement of the 5th symphony. The darker emotions in Prokofiev’s music are all the more affecting/disturbing since we don’t always expect them from him.
I have to admit, I was a bit startled seeing the German version of Prokofiev's name. I do not believe that I ever came across that translation before.