Sinfonietta (Prokofiev)

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Sinfonietta in A major is a composition by Sergei Prokofiev.

Contents

[edit] Background

Sergei Prokofiev wrote his Sinfonietta in A major in 1909 as his Opus 5, and dedicated it to Nikolai Tcherepnin, his conducting professor at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. Prokofiev subsequently modified it twice, once in 1914 and finally in 1929, publishing it as Opus 5/48.

[edit] Analysis

The Sinfonietta is rather similar to the much more well known Classical Symphony, being light in character, while infusing Prokofiev's typical twists of harmony. However, it is rarely performed. Prokofiev himself was surprised by this, commenting: "I cannot understand why the fate of these two pieces should be so different".

[edit] Movements

The piece is in 5 movements, lasting around 25 minutes.

  1. Allegro giocoso
  2. Andante
  3. Intermezzo: Vivace
  4. Scherzo: Allegro risoluto
  5. Allegro giocoso

[edit] Instrumentation

2 Flutes
2 Oboes
2 Clarinets
2 Bassoons
4 French Horns
2 Trumpets
Strings (1st and 2nd Violins, Violas, Cellos, Double Basses)

[edit] Recordings

Orchestra Conductor Record Company Year of Recording Format
Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra Dzhemal Daigat Melodiya 1972 LP
Philharmonia Orchestra Ricardo Muti HMV 1978 LP
Scottish National Orchestra Neeme Järvi Chandos 1986 CD
Lausanne Chamber Orchestra Alberto Zedda Virgin Classics 1989 CD
Chicago Chamber Orchestra Dieter Kober Centaur Records 1995 CD