Composer Series: Sergei Prokofiev

Sergei Prokofiev 
April 23rd 1891 - March 5th 1953 

Prokofiev was a Russian Soviet composer, pianist and conductor. He began composing at the age of five. 

He is regarded as one of the major composers of the 20th century. 

Prokofiev's first love was opera. His most successful was the satirical 'The Love for Three Oranges.' 

Sergei was an avid chess player. 

In 'Peter and the Wolf' Prokofiev introduced countless children to the orchestra by using melodic themes and the sound of different instruments to represent characters.

Our favorites: 
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64, ballet in four acts 
Peter and the Wolf, Op. 67 
Symphony No. 1 in D major, Op. 25 
Piano Concerto No. 3

Composer Series: Dmitri Shostakovich

Up next in our composer series: Dmitri Shostakovich! 

Dmitri Shostakovich
9/25/1906 - 8/9/1975 

Dmitri Shostakovich was a Soviet and Russian composer and pianist. 

He was what’s called a polystylist—he used multiple styles and techniques in his compositions.   

Shostakovich faced much adversity as a composer under the soviet regime. 

Multiple times, Shostakovich withdrew work under the threat of Soviet authorities.   

Shostakovich was officially censured in 1962 for his Symphony No.13, ‘Babi Yar.’ The piece condemns anti-Semitism and injustice. 

Our favorites: 
Symphony No.5 
String Quartet No.8 in C Minor, Op.47 

What composer do you want use to feature next?! Tell us in the comments!