While looking over The Proms schedule I noticed that Gergiev is conducting Prokofiev’s Cinderella. Romeo and Juliet is Prokofiev’s most famous ballet but Cinderella is well worth a listen. In many ways I prefer it to Romeo and Juliet.
The stories are different though, aren’t they? I think Cinderella takes a little bit of the frenetic edge off of Prokofiev’s musical grammar. I love Prokofiev but he’s as tense as they come.
Cinderella is not overly sweet but kind of like a New Yorker who has lived in San Diego for about two years. They are starting to relax but still “keeps it real”.
Prokofiev started Cinderella just before World War II and picked it up again after the war, completing it in 1944. The premiere was in November of 1945. He was busy writing his opera War and Peace during the war.
It's interesting that Cinderella was set aside for the duration of the war. Perhaps the subject seemed too trite given the circumstances.
Be that as it may, if you’re in the mood for a lyrical piece of music that still has some bite, give Cinderella a shot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51p48DhuB4Y
While looking over The Proms schedule I noticed that Gergiev is conducting Prokofiev’s Cinderella. Romeo and Juliet is Prokofiev’s most famous ballet but Cinderella is well worth a listen. In many ways I prefer it to Romeo and Juliet.
The stories are different though, aren’t they? I think Cinderella takes a little bit of the frenetic edge off of Prokofiev’s musical grammar. I love Prokofiev but he’s as tense as they come.
Cinderella is not overly sweet but kind of like a New Yorker who has lived in San Diego for about two years. They are starting to relax but still “keeps it real”.
Prokofiev started Cinderella just before World War II and picked it up again after the war, completing it in 1944. The premiere was in November of 1945. He was busy writing his opera War and Peace during the war.
It's interesting that Cinderella was set aside for the duration of the war. Perhaps the subject seemed too trite given the circumstances.
Be that as it may, if you’re in the mood for a lyrical piece of music that still has some bite, give Cinderella a shot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51p48DhuB4Y