Prokofiev, S.: Prodigal Son (The) / Andante / Divertissement
8/26/2010, 16 Tracks, 1:11:10
Featuring
Neeme Järvi
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Sergei Prokofiev
Did you know?
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Compositional Technique
The music for The Prodigal Son marked a change from Prokofiev's earlier harsh harmonic idiom, foreshadowing the richer lyricism of later ballets like Romeo and Juliet.
Notable Performances
The Prodigal Son was first performed by the Ballets russes in Paris on May 21, 1929, with choreography by George Balanchine and Serge Lifar in the title role.
Performer Biography
Neeme Järvi, the conductor on this album, has amassed a distinguished discography of over 400 discs, with more than 150 for Chandos alone.
Composer Biography
Prokofiev made the momentous decision to return permanently to the USSR in the mid-1930s after spending about fifteen years living and working in western Europe.
Recording & Production
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, featured on this recording, has contributed to film soundtracks including Vertigo, Star Wars, Titanic, The Magnificent Seven, and The Great Escape.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Boris Kochno, who prepared the scenario for The Prodigal Son, introduced the seductive female Siren as a new element in the Prodigal's downfall, departing from the biblical parable.
Composition History
Prokofiev's ballet, The Prodigal Son, was commissioned by Sergey Diaghilev for the Ballets russes and was the last new production staged by the impresario before his death.
