Stravinsky and Prokofiev

[Martin W]

OK. So, here goes.  I am only familiar with "Peter and the Wolf" by Prokofiev.  Which other works by him would you recommend?  Yesterday I came across a CD that I had bought in a bargain basket which has the "Firebird" by Stravinsky and I was mightily impressed.  It sounds so startlingly modern and fresh.  Which other works by Stravninsky would you recommend? Thanks.

[Biffo]

I am possibly not the right person for this thread. I used to like Prokofiev a lot and was indifferent to Stravinsky, even The Rite of Spring which several friends raved about. Now I only listen to Prokofiev's Fifth Symphony and occasionally the Piano Concertos.

I have thawed slightly towards Stravinsky but still don't like The Rite. You might like his ballet Apollo and The Symphony of Psalms is the only one of his major works I enjoyed at first hearing. The Dumbarton Oaks Concerto is a short work you might enjoy.

[Karl Henning]

OK. So, here goes.  I am only familiar with "Peter and the Wolf" by Prokofiev.  Which other works by him would you recommend?  Yesterday I came across a CD that I had bought in a bargain basket which has the "Firebird" by Stravinsky and I was mightily impressed.  It sounds so startlingly modern and fresh.  Which other works by Stravninsky would you recommend? Thanks.

Hi, Martin, and welcome to GMG! Prokofiev and Stravinsky were two of my first compositional heroes, and I still love their work a great deal.

Some must-hear Prokofiev include: The f minor violin Sonata, the ballets L'enfant prodigue and Romeo & Juliet, and the wartime piano sonatas, 6-8.

For Stravinsky, I'd say: The Symphony of Psalms, Orpheus, the Concerto for two pianos, Petrushka, and  L'histoire du soldat, for starters.

Happy listening!

[relm1]

I think a very important thing to understand about Stravinsky and Prokofiev (perhaps other Russians at that time) is they were very infatuated with tradition and the French. Early Stravinsky is a mix of Russian tradition and Debussy which is a fantastic combination full of exoticism and lush traditionalism.  It is probably most evident in Firebird but also heavy in Petrushka and Rite of Spring.  These three works are to me his greatest achievements but like  k a rl h e nn i ng said, there were many other masterful works to come though the influences were more diverse including jazz and classical music.  It's important because his music changes drastically on a listening experience but not so much on a musicological understanding.  Similarly, Prokofiev had the same pull of influences but had a rawer sound.  He reveled in twisting the rules of normalcy and expectation.  They are considered enfant terrible (a person known for shaking or outrageous behavior) and relished it.  These are both fantastic composers well worth exploring but equally benefit from careful study to fully appreciate their impact and influence.  Surprisingly, both overtly embraced tradition in their own ways as they aged...Prokofiev becoming more lyrical and Stravinsky becoming more neo-classical.  Most musicians have fallen in love under their spell and distinctiveness.  No one else sounds quite like them.   

[Jo498]

The "obvious" choice after Firebird are Petrouchka and Rite of Spring (Le Sacre du Printemps). Note that they are considerably less late/post-romantic or impressionist than L'oiseau. Then probably Karl's suggestions that are a little more "advanced".

For Prokofiev I'd recommend the first three piano concertos (or all five). The most popular is #3, my clear favorite is #2 but they are all worth listening and mostly accessible. Same for the two violin concertos.

[KevinP]

Some must-hear Prokofiev include: The f minor violin Sonata,

Very underrated and unexpected choice, but I agree. Great piece!

Prokofiev's fifth symphony is wonderful. All the symphonies are good, but the fifth is deservedly famous.

Stravinsky's Symphony in Three Movement is one of those pieces I don't listed to often, but when I do, I always say I need to listen to it more.
Petrushka. I listen to to it more often than the Rite of Spring.  Realy blew me away when I first discovered it.

[San Antone]

I can't help with Prokofiev*, but for Stravinsky I would suggest Symphonies for Wind Instruments, the Violin Concerto and some of the smaller works, e.g. Tango, Ragtime for Eleven Instruments and second The Soldiers Tale and Symphony of Psalms.



* However, I did recently listen to Visions fugitives, op. 22, and thought these small works were very enjoyable.  It was originally written as a  set of short pieces for solo piano, but they have also been arranged for string quartet.

[pjme]

..... These are both fantastic composers well worth exploring but equally benefit from careful study to fully appreciate their impact and influence.  Surprisingly, both overtly embraced tradition in their own ways as they aged...Prokofiev becoming more lyrical and Stravinsky becoming more neo-classical.  Most musicians have fallen in love under their spell and distinctiveness.  No one else sounds quite like them.   

Well said.
Martin, you're in for great discoveries.

Here's a favorite of mine - pianoconcerto nr.5.  A rare (live/mono/radio) performance from 1960. Both Bernstein and François "en grande forme"!
https://www.youtube.com/v/rx-YzZJq9i4

[Mirror Image]

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