Two years after its 1939 premiere, the cantata's heroic patriotism gained sudden relevance with the 20th-century invasion of Russia by Teutons, mirroring the historical conflict depicted.
Composition History
Prokofiev's Cantata, Alexander Nevsky, Op. 78, originated as the film score for Sergei Eisenstein's 1938 film about Alexander Nevsky, a Prince of Novgorod.
Composer Biography
Before composing Alexander Nevsky, Prokofiev had written film scores for Lieutenant Kijé and The Queen of Spades and had studied Hollywood film music recording techniques.
Composition History
Prokofiev arranged his Alexander Nevsky film score into a seven-movement cantata for the concert hall, re-scoring and re-composing parts for a full symphony orchestra.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Prokofiev studied medieval history and Gregorian plainsong for Alexander Nevsky but decided against re-creating actual 13th-century music, opting instead for a modern idiom that evoked the period.
Performer Biography
Kurt Masur, the conductor, had a 25-year relationship with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, serving as Principal Guest Conductor and later Principal Conductor.
Performer Biography
Sarah Walker, the mezzo-soprano, began her musical career as a violinist at the Royal College of Music before studying singing and building a wide repertoire.
