Prokofiev's last years were marked by official suspicion, financial hardship due to lack of performances, and constant ill health.
Critical Reception
The final version of the Symphony-Concerto, despite its quality, was poorly received at its 1952 premiere and was considered virtually unplayable by cellists for some time.
Instruments
Christian Poltéra, the cellist on this recording, plays the famous 'Mara' cello, made in 1711 by Antonio Stradivari.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Prokofiev's large-scale compositions, including the Symphony-Concerto, feature striking contrasts, disturbing juxtapositions of mood, and powerful rhetoric followed by tender reflection.
Composition History
The Symphony-Concerto, Op. 125, evolved from Prokofiev's earlier Cello Concerto, Op. 58, which he revised extensively with cellist Mstislav Rostropovich.
Historical Context
In 1948, Prokofiev and other leading Soviet composers were officially denounced for 'formalistic distortions and anti-democratic tendencies' by Stalin, who demanded music be plain and accessible.
Compositional Technique
Prokofiev's Symphony-Concerto is both a symphony and a concerto, as indicated by its Russian title 'Simfonia-Kontsert'.
You might also enjoy...
Kodály: Cello Sonata, Op. 8 - Shostakovich: Cello Sonata in D Minor, Op. 40
Krzysztof Penderecki: Sextet, String Trio, Cadenza, Per Slava, Divertimento
Lines
Beethoven - Brahms - Reger
Dialogo
Daniil Shafran
Koppel, H.D.: Composer and Pianist, Vol. 3 - Koppel, H.D.: Chamber Music (1956-1973)
Grieg - Janáček - Kodály
Music for Cello
Haydn, Beethoven, Dvořák & Others: Works Featuring Cello
Mendelssohn, Butilleux, Janáček & Beethoven: Works for Cello
