Description
Prokofiev Sonata No 2 Opus 94 for Flute and Piano
Prokofiev Sonata No 2 Opus 94 for Flute and Piano
Publisher-Boosey and Hawkes
Arranger: Susan Milan
Key: D Major
Contents
Moderato
Scherzo: Presto
Andante
Allegro con brio
About
A characterful and exciting four-movement neo-classical sonata exploring the whole range of the flute. This sonata was completed in 1943 and first performed in Moscow, Russia on December 7, 1943. It was later transcribed for violin in 1944, and performed by David Oistrakh (violin) and Lev Oborin (Piano) in 1944.
Composer-Sergei Prokofiev
Sergey Prokofiev (1891-1953) was a 20th-century Russian (and Soviet) composer known for his diverse musical output, including symphonies, concerti, film music, operas, ballets, and program pieces. Born into an agricultural family, village life and peasant songs influenced him deeply. His mother, a skilled pianist, nurtured his musical talent, leading him to study under renowned teachers such as Sergey Taneyev and Reinhold Glière.
From 1904 to 1914, Prokofiev attended the conservatory in St. Petersburg, a period of rapid creative growth. His graduation performance of the Piano Concerto No. 1 in D-flat Major earned him the Anton Rubinstein Prize. Although he received a solid academic foundation, Prokofiev sought musical innovation and found support in progressive circles advocating musical renewal.
During the pre-Revolutionary period, Prokofiev explored various artistic currents, drawing inspiration from modernist Russian poets, painters like Cézanne and Picasso’s followers, and theatrical ideas from Vsevolod Meyerhold. He collaborated with Serge Diaghilev, the famous ballet impresario, and gained recognition for his piano concerti.
In the 1920s, Prokofiev entered a “foreign period,” touring extensively and achieving success in Europe and the United States. He composed numerous works, including ballets, symphonies, and operas. Despite success abroad, Prokofiev missed his homeland and eventually returned to the Soviet Union in the 1930s. This period marked the crystallization of his realistic and epical style, seen in works like the ballet “Romeo and Juliet” and the opera “War and Peace.”
During World War II, Prokofiev’s patriotic feelings intensified, and he composed works reflecting national themes. The war years took a toll on his health and subjected him to political pressure, but he continued to create remarkable compositions.
In 1953, Prokofiev passed away suddenly due to a cerebral haemorrhage, leaving behind unfinished works. Posthumously, he received significant recognition, with growing popularity in the Soviet Union and abroad. His contributions to music earned him the prestigious Lenin Prize in 1957.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sergey-Prokofiev
Susan Milan-Flautist/Arranger
Susan Milan is a highly esteemed flautist and respected figure in the world of classical music. She has performed and taught worldwide as an orchestral principal, recitalist, soloist, chamber musician, recording artist, lecturer and teacher,
Susan Milan was a Junior Exhibitioner and Scholar at the Royal College of Music, where she studied with John Francis. As a postgraduate of the Guildhall School of Music, she studied with Geoffrey Gilbert, as well as attending the Marcel Moyse masterclasses in Switzerland.
Upon graduating from the RCM, Susan Milan’s exceptional abilities as a flautist propelled her to the coveted position of Principal Flute in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Throughout her illustrious career, she has graced the stage as both Principal Flute and as a soloist with distinguished orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, and the English Chamber Orchestra amongst numerous other orchestras.
Driven by her passion for nurturing musical excellence, Susan Milan founded the highly acclaimed British Isles Music Festival.
Susan Milan is a Professor and Fellow of the Royal College of Music, London, Professor of Trinity Laban Conservatory of Music, London and Director of the annual British Isles Music Festival. http://www.susanmilan.com
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