Sergei Prokofiev, (1891-1953)
April 23, 1891 - March 5, 1953
Modern Period
Russian composer and pianist Sergei Prokofiev was born in 1891 in Sontsovka, a small village in Ukraine. Early on, it was clear that he had musical talent. His mother, who was a very good pianist, encouraged him, and taught him to play the piano. Sergei began composing at the age of five. When he got a bit older, he and his mother moved to St. Petersburg, so that he could study music there.
After Prokofiev graduated from school, he traveled around Europe to learn more about music. World War I and the Russian Revolution made living and working in Russia very difficult, so Prokofiev left the country in 1918. Paris eventually became his home, but he also spent time in the United States and the Bavarian Alps. But the whole time he was away from Russia, Prokofiev longed for his homeland. In 1936, he made the unusual decision to move back to the Soviet Union.
Prokofiev was a master at using music to tell a story. One of his most famous musical stories is Peter and the Wolf, which was written for Russia's Central Children's Theatre. You may have seen it performed in school, or on the concert stage. We can see a video version of this story and show that we can identify different musical instruments!
In addition to symphonic music, Prokofiev wrote ballets, operas, and music for films like Lieutenant Kijé.
Modern Period
Russian composer and pianist Sergei Prokofiev was born in 1891 in Sontsovka, a small village in Ukraine. Early on, it was clear that he had musical talent. His mother, who was a very good pianist, encouraged him, and taught him to play the piano. Sergei began composing at the age of five. When he got a bit older, he and his mother moved to St. Petersburg, so that he could study music there.
After Prokofiev graduated from school, he traveled around Europe to learn more about music. World War I and the Russian Revolution made living and working in Russia very difficult, so Prokofiev left the country in 1918. Paris eventually became his home, but he also spent time in the United States and the Bavarian Alps. But the whole time he was away from Russia, Prokofiev longed for his homeland. In 1936, he made the unusual decision to move back to the Soviet Union.
Prokofiev was a master at using music to tell a story. One of his most famous musical stories is Peter and the Wolf, which was written for Russia's Central Children's Theatre. You may have seen it performed in school, or on the concert stage. We can see a video version of this story and show that we can identify different musical instruments!
In addition to symphonic music, Prokofiev wrote ballets, operas, and music for films like Lieutenant Kijé.
David Bowie Narrates Disneys Peter And The Wolf by Theleetsoldier
Please be patient with the advertising! It is only a few seconds, and this is the best version.
Prokofiev went to the Conservatory at St. Petersburg, Russia. He later lived in Paris. He traveled the world including the U.S. but returned to Moscow (then in the Soviet Union--now Russia again).
You can do your own image search to see pictures of Sergei Prokofiev on the internet. Click here for a sample!
There are many YouTube videos of the music of Sergio Prokofiev. Below are a few good ones!
Here is a wonderful video of Peter and the Wolf with Instrument Cams!
Here are Olympic skaters performing a routine to Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet.
BeatBox Peter and the Wolf with flute!
Here is a ballet version of Peter and the Wolf.
Spanish-speaking students will enjoy Pedro y el Lobo.
Look at the real Walt Disney interviewing the real Sergei Prokofiev on this video.
Other resources:
Classics for Kids radio shows about Prokofiev--will probably stream better at home than they do at school!
Composers in the Computer Lab HOME
There are many YouTube videos of the music of Sergio Prokofiev. Below are a few good ones!
Here is a wonderful video of Peter and the Wolf with Instrument Cams!
Here are Olympic skaters performing a routine to Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet.
BeatBox Peter and the Wolf with flute!
Here is a ballet version of Peter and the Wolf.
Spanish-speaking students will enjoy Pedro y el Lobo.
Look at the real Walt Disney interviewing the real Sergei Prokofiev on this video.
Other resources:
Classics for Kids radio shows about Prokofiev--will probably stream better at home than they do at school!
Composers in the Computer Lab HOME