Prokofiev: Sonatas Nos. 5 & 6, Pensées, Op. 62 & Music for Children, Op. 65

Featuring

Yury Martynov
Sergei Prokofiev

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Composer's Artistic Vision

Prokofiev's 'Music for Children' avoids didacticism, aiming instead to stimulate the imagination and sensibility of young pianists through its rich and diverse writing.

Historical Context

The album features works from Prokofiev's pre-World War II period, a 'War Sonata' (No. 6), and his 'Music for Children'.

Performer Biography

Yury Martynov, the pianist on this album, is also recording the complete Beethoven symphonies in Liszt's keyboard transcriptions, performed on period instruments.

Composition History

Prokofiev's nine piano sonatas, written between 1909 and 1947, significantly contributed to the revival of the piano sonata form, especially among Russian composers.

Interpretation

Pianist Yury Martynov performs Prokofiev's avant-garde works on a modern Steinway, contrasting with his use of period instruments for Beethoven.

Composer Biography

Sergey Prokofiev, the composer, received comprehensive training at the St Petersburg Conservatory, including piano instruction from the formidable Anna Esipova.

Composition History

Prokofiev's 'Music for Children' was composed in 1935 for relaxation, while he was also working on large-scale scores like the ballet 'Romeo and Juliet' and the Second Violin Concerto.