Prokofiev: Alexander Nevsky & Lieutenant Kijé Suite

Featuring

Claudine Carlson
Leonard Slatkin
Arnold Voketaitis
Saint Louis Symphony Chorus
Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra
Sergei Prokofiev

Did you know?

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Composition History

Prokofiev's Alexander Nevsky and Lieutenant Kijé Suite are two of his most successful compositions and beloved musical works from the 20th century, originally created for films.

Composition History

Prokofiev's Alexander Nevsky cantata was adapted from his film score, with the composer writing some of the text himself, and premiered on May 17, 1939, in Moscow.

Compositional Technique

In Alexander Nevsky, Prokofiev created all the themes himself, using sombre motifs and harsh dissonances for invaders, and warmer, simpler harmonies for Russian folk-like themes.

Recording & Production

This album features new 192 kHz / 24-bit high-definition transfers of the original Elite Recordings analogue master tapes for both Alexander Nevsky and Lieutenant Kijé Suite.

Historical Context

During the 1930s in the USSR, patriotism was extended to include Russia's historic past, leading to a surge in historical novels, plays, musical works, and motion pictures.

Composer Biography

Sergey Prokofiev, the composer, returned to the USSR in 1933 after living in the West for 15 years, a period during which the sound film medium emerged.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Prokofiev's film scores, including Alexander Nevsky and Lieutenant Kijé, are significant due to his keen understanding of the medium's unique requirements and opportunities.