Prokofiev's 'War Sonatas' (Nos. 6-8) are considered the pinnacle of his achievement in the piano sonata genre and are closely associated with pianist Sviatoslav Richter.
Composer Biography
Sergei Prokofiev, the composer, was a virtuoso pianist himself, which allowed him to fully explore the instrument's possibilities in his sonatas.
Critical Reception
Prokofiev's Fifth Sonata was initially met with a lukewarm critical and public reception at its premiere in Paris.
Composition History
Sonatas No. 3 and 4 are revisions of Prokofiev's earlier, unpublished student works.
Performer Biography
Natalia Trull, the pianist on this recording, won the Silver Medal at the Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in 1986 and the Grand Prix at the Piano Masters Competition in Monte Carlo in 1993.
Composition History
Prokofiev revised his Fifth Sonata just before his death to soften its angularity and make it more accessible, notably shortening the final movement and changing its ending.
Composition History
Prokofiev's piano sonatas span his entire career, from his teenage years until just before his death, though with a significant gap in the middle.
