S. Prokofiev Symphony No. 1 "Classical": history, video, interesting facts, content, listen

Sergei Prokofiev Symphony No. 1 "Classical"

While studying at the conservatory, Sergei Prokofiev was famous for his ability to experiment. The young composer was not afraid of bright and unusual solutions, which more than once surprised the audience. His writings were called innovative and even hooligan, because you could always find something fresh and unusual in them. Prokofiev’s style was already clearly formed and recognizable. This allowed the audience to make their own assumptions regarding the first experience of writing a symphony. Many expected to hear a shocking composition, but Prokofiev presented to the public a surprisingly clear and slender symphonic cycle. It merged the tendencies of the 20th century and the time of Haydn, and the symphony received the proud name “Classical”.

The history of Prokofiev's Classical Symphony, the content of the work and many interesting facts can be found on our page.

The history of the "Classical Symphony"

Genuine interest in the music of the Viennese classics was manifested in Sergei Prokofiev during conducting classes at the brilliant teacher Nikolai Nikolaevich Cherepnin. In his first symphony, he wanted to fantasize and present whatever work he wrote. Haydn these days, if he would keep his style of writing and use new harmonies. The name "Classical", as the author explains, was given "because of mischief, to tease geese." Moreover, the composer hoped that in the future the work would still become a classic.

Work on the composition began in 1916. At the beginning the third part was completely completed, then the first and second sketches appeared. The most fruitful period for composing was the summer of 1917. Free from study and daily cares, Prokofiev rested in the village of Sarbino near St. Petersburg. Then he took with him a new telescope to admire the constellations that richly decorated the August sky. Inspired by the wonders of the universe, he unwittingly created amazing music. Rachmaninov could spend hours strolling through picturesque places. Such a measured pastime allowed the young genius to carefully consider the composition and musical material. In such a romantic oblivion the days and weeks of the musician passed.

By the fall in the score was put the last note. The writing was fully prepared for execution. Calligraphic hand set date - September 10. Then months of rehearsals, and now on April 21, 1918, the music was presented to the strict public. The author himself conducted the symphony. The success was deafening, the audience was delighted. A few weeks later, the composer will be far away from his homeland. He went to America and returned only in 1936.

Interesting Facts

• The work was first recorded on audio in 1929 by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He conducted the composition of the famous Sergei Kusevitsky.
• The lightness and elegance of the music made it possible to use the symphony as an accompaniment in one-act ballets set on the stages of Paris, St. Petersburg and Moscow.
• The duration of the symphony is 20 minutes.
• The piece was dedicated to the conservative friend and musicologist Boris Vladimirovich Asafiev.
• For the performance of the symphony, Prokofiev used a double orchestra, which was common in the time of Joseph Haydn.
• The most popular part is Gavotte. In many ways, the fame of the third part is deserved because of the large number of arrangements for solo instruments, including piano.
• The composer wrote his first symphony without using the piano. The musician remarked that in this way the thematic material acquires naturalness and noble simplicity.
• The theme of the third part of the episode was used in Romero and Juliet, the famous ballet by Sergei Sergeyevich Prokofiev.

Content of the "Classical Symphony"

Symphony №1 "Classical" at first glance may seem simple and understandable. Such clarity is introduced by the canons of the Haydn era and Mozartwhich Prokofiev used as a timeless base, a framework for expressing the spirit of modernity. The writing is like an interpretation of the old story in the new time. The plot and the idea remain the same, but the situation and people have already changed. Eternal theater of life.

I part. Allegro (D-dur)

Already from the first bars the orchestra makes itself felt. The rolling chord resembles a call to gather for a show. It is still difficult to guess what the comedy masters have prepared for the demanding public. Now the audience will witness a truly exciting action. The lightness and mobility of the main theme allow you to feel the sunny day in which vanity reigns. Here is a humorous sideline appearing irregular string group. It seems she mischievous. Hear the clumsy bassoon grumble at her, he again became the victim of her caustic jibes. I didn’t like the sense of humor of the auxiliary horns, they seemed to explode with anger. But these squabbles are just a motive for the crowd to laugh. Only the final chords closes this carnival turmoil.

II part. Largetto (A-dur)

It's time to take a break from the annoying actors. What could be better than just dancing to good music. The ideal accompaniment will be a slow vintage dance. It clearly has a tread polonaise and gallantry minueta. Bright and incessant trills adorn a simple folk tune. Cavaliers invite ladies to dance to spin in a magical stream of music. Sensual and at the same time refined middle section leads to a colorful climax. Magnificence and luxury are underlined by the refined timbre of the string group. The climax flare is like a fleeting vision that dissolves in the rhythm of the ancient dance that sounded at the beginning.

III part. Gavotta (D-dur)

Melancholic dance gives way to a cheerful gavot. Wide melodic moves are perfectly combined with sweeping dance movements. Here freedom from rules, canons is felt. Simple rhythms gradually flow into more complex middle section figures. The accompaniment clearly resembles the sound of Scottish bagpipes, immersing the listener in a completely new world. Gradually, the dance motif is becoming quieter, as if moving away into the distance. A broad theme with wide jumps returns to its change. She completes this extraordinary dance parade.

Final: Molto vivace (D-dur)

The dizzying finale is rich in harmonic colors. It contains the idea of ​​endless whirling in a whirlwind of life flow. Days fly by, the seasons change, years pass, but the rhythm remains unchanged. It remains only to enjoy every moment and give happiness to others. The clarity of the form, the sophistication of the musical themes, the transparency of the orchestration create the feeling that this music was really created by the hand of maestro Joseph Haydn. Probably, if the joker Haydn had heard this work, he would certainly appreciate the young composer's resourcefulness and mischief, because he himself loved surprises in music.

In the Classical Symphony No. 1, the composer demonstrates perfect mastery of the characteristic techniques of the previous styles. He adds bright, harmonic colors to reflect the spirit of the times. The sunshine and festivity of music make a person believe in the best, give him hope for change.