Oleg Marshev, the pianist on this recording, trained at the Gnesin School and Moscow Conservatoire, and won First Prize in several international piano competitions in the early 1990s.
Composer Biography
Sergei Prokofiev, the composer, was a virtuoso pianist himself, winning the Rubinstein Prize in 1914 by performing his own D-flat Concerto.
Historical Context
After the 1917 Revolution, Prokofiev's aggressive and uncompromising style was seen in the West as embodying the image of a 'Bolshevik Artist'.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Prokofiev aimed to express primitive emotions without relying on traditional romantic methods, constantly seeking a direct and profound musical language.
Composition History
The three 'War Sonatas' (Nos. 6, 7, and 8) were all started simultaneously in 1939, with Sonata No. 8 premiered by Emil Gilels in 1944.
Compositional Technique
Prokofiev's piano music often features a percussive use of the keyboard, which can be seen as anti-Romantic, yet he also embraces traditional large forms that demand virtuoso technique.
Recording & Production
Oleg Marshev has recorded the complete original solo piano music by Prokofiev for Danacord, in addition to other works.
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