Sergei Prokofiev's Fourth Symphony (Op. 47) originated from his ballet The Prodigal Son, which was commissioned by impresario Sergei Diaghilev and his Ballets Russes in 1928.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Prokofiev's music often includes a sweet and sometimes childish side, as heard in the middle movements of this symphony, and he was known for writing clear, expressive melodies.
Composition History
Prokofiev composed the Fourth Symphony for the 50th anniversary of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, a commission requested by Serge Koussevitzky.
Composition History
Prokofiev undertook a radical revision of his Fourth Symphony in 1947, expanding the orchestra and adding nearly 15 minutes to its duration, leading many to consider it a new work (Op. 112).
Performer Biography
Franz Welser-Möst, the conductor of this recording, is in his 24th season as Music Director of The Cleveland Orchestra and will be its longest-serving music director.
Critical Reception
The initial reception of Prokofiev's Fourth Symphony in America, Europe, and the Soviet Union was only lukewarm.
Compositional Technique
The first movement of Prokofiev's Fourth Symphony features a striking contrast between placid opening music and aggressive, noisy sections labeled 'eroico' (heroic), creating a sense of two conflicting musical ideas.
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