Last week, I went to New York Philharmonic for an all-Prokofiev program. It was my first time ever listening to this composer’s music, so I was nervous and excited at the same time, not knowing what to expect yet looking forward to some novelty.
View from my seat
1. Prokofiev – The Love for Three Oranges Suite
This was an orchestral music for a fantasy themed opera. The music presented an interesting mixture of a fantasy adventure and love. I could definitely feel that the composition also presents a dreamy feeling while the orchestra carried us through a suspenseful adventure, especially in the movements March and Scherzo. The movement Flight suggests an intriguing ending, which conforms to the general ambience of the composition.
2. Prokofiev – Violin Concerto No. 1
This was a concerto that definitely has a Russian emotion. Prokofiev’s signature Scherzo movement was especially interesting, adding energy and enthusiasm to an overall lyrical concerto. The soloist meanwhile exhibited a carefully examined performance, which allowed me to enjoy Prokofiev’s composition in its entirety.
3. Prokofiev – Selections from Romeo and Juliet
This was a selection of pieces from Prokofiev’s ballet. It is worth noting that the ending that Prokofiev had originally intended was, unlike Shakespeare’s, a happy one where Romeo and Juliet successfully regroup. Although he later changed his mind and returned to an old well-known ending, the composition exhibits interestingly distinct interpretation of a well-known story. Displaying majesty and elegance, Dance of the Knights felt like set in a Russian palace than an Italian court. The death scenes of Romeo and Juliet follow down a narrow path towards a sorrowful consolation rather than a bliss favored by the composer.
This was a great program where I learned about a rather unknown Russian Romantic-era composer, Prokofiev. I have a tendency to like the Russian compositions of around this time period, and upon listening to these three pieces by Prokofiev, I immediately realized that he will be included to the list as well. I look forward to listening to his other compositions that would best serve my taste.
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