Prokofiev played a musical instrument. Sergei Prokofiev: biography, interesting facts, creativity. Prokofiev Sergei Sergeevich: creativity in the post-war years

“I adhere to the conviction that a composer, like a poet, sculptor, painter, is called upon to serve man and the people. He must decorate human life and protect her. He must first of all be a citizen in his art, glorify human life and lead man to a brighter future."
This is what Sergei Prokofiev wrote in his article “Music and Life,” and he followed this code of art, proclaimed shortly before his death, throughout his life.
For Prokofiev, living meant composing music. And composing always meant coming up with something new. “The cardinal advantage (or, if you like, disadvantage) of my life,” the composer wrote, “has always been the search for my original musical language. I hate imitation, I hate hackneyed tricks."
Prokofiev believed that in art only that which is valuable is what arises as a result of the artist’s sensitive listening to the rhythms and intonations of the surrounding life. This is the basis of Prokofiev’s innovation.
An inexhaustible melodic gift, a limitless ability for artistic transformation, and the ability to recreate the very spirit of the life depicted allowed Prokofiev to embrace the large, complex world of our reality. It is enough to name such works of his as the operas “Semyon Kotko” (based on the story by Valentin Kataev) and “The Tale of a Real Man” (based on the work of the same name by Boris Polevoy), the oratorio “Guardian of the World” and the suite “Winter Fire” based on the verses of S. Ya Marshak or the epic Fifth Symphony performed in 1945, the idea and concept of which Prokofiev himself defined as “The Symphony of the Greatness of the Human Spirit.” “He knew how to listen to time,” Ilya Ehrenburg said about him. But even when the composer turned to distant history, he remained deeply modern. That’s why Prokofiev’s patriotic lyrics and undaunted power sound as exciting as today. folk scenes in the music for the film “Ivan the Terrible”, the painting “Borodino” in the opera “War and Peace” based on the novel by Leo Tolstoy, the invocation “Rise up, Russian people” and the captivating, Glinka-like chanting “There will be no enemy in our native Rus'” in the cantata “ Alexander Nevsky."
Sergei Sergeevich Prokofiev was born in the village of Sontsovka, Yekaterinoslav province (now the village of Krasnoye, Donetsk region) in the family of an agronomist. In 1914 he graduated from the St. Petersburg Conservatory, where his teachers were A. Lyadov, N. Rimsky-Korsakov and others outstanding composers and musicians. Before this, Prokofiev’s musical education was supervised by the later famous Soviet composer R. M. Gliere. According to Prokofiev himself, he heard music at home from birth. The composer's mother played the piano. In addition, she turned out to be a born teacher. She was the first to introduce her son to the world of Beethoven's sonatas and awakened in him a love of classical music.
Prokofiev's keen observation and love for living nature were happily combined with a rich creative imagination. He was a composer not because he composed music, but because he could not help but compose it. Prokofiev traveled all over Europe and America with his concerts, playing in front of audiences in Carthage. But a cozy chair and desk, a modest view of the Oka River in Polenov, near Moscow, where the music of the ballet “Romeo and Juliet” (one of the composer’s best works) was created, or a quiet corner of French Brittany on the shore Atlantic Ocean, where the Third Piano Concerto with wonderful lyrics of Russian themes was written, he preferred it to the applause and noise of concert halls.
He was an amazing worker. Two hours before his death, he was still sitting at his desk and finishing the last pages of his ballet “The Tale of the Stone Flower” (according to Ural tales P. Bazhov), in which, in his own words, he set as his task to glorify “the joy of creative work for the benefit of the people”, to tell “about the spiritual beauty of the Russian person, about the power and innumerable riches of our nature, revealed only to the man of labor.”
The scale and significance of Prokofiev's work are exceptionally great. He wrote 11 operas, 7 symphonies, 7 ballets, about 30 romances and many other works.
A discoverer of new paths in art, Prokofiev went down in the history of Russian and world music as one of the most outstanding artists of the 20th century.

Born on April 23, 1891, Sontsovka estate, Bakhmut district, Ekaterinoslav province (now the village of Krasnoe, Krasnoarmeysky district, Donetsk region, Ukraine).

In 1909 he graduated from the St. Petersburg Conservatory in the composition class of A. Lyadov, in the instrumentation class - N. Rimsky-Korsakov and Y. Vitol, in 1914 - in the piano class of A. Esipova, in the conducting class - N. Cherepnin. He worked in creative collaboration with Sergei Eisenstein.
In 1908, he began his concert career as a pianist and conductor - a performer of his own works.
In May 1918 he went on tour abroad, which lasted for eighteen years. Prokofiev toured in America, Europe, Japan, and Cuba. In 1927, 1929 and 1932 he made concert trips to the USSR. In 1936, he returned to the USSR with his Spanish wife Lina Codina, who became Prokofieva (actually Caroline Codina-Lubera, 1897-1989). Prokofiev and his family - his wife Lina and sons Svyatoslav and Oleg finally settled in Moscow. Subsequently, he traveled abroad (to Europe and the USA) only twice: in the 1936/37 and 1938/39 seasons.

Since 1941, he lived separately from his family; a few years later, the Soviet government declared his marriage invalid, and without a divorce, on January 15, 1948, the composer officially married for the second time; Mira Mendelssohn became his wife. And the first wife was arrested in 1948 and exiled - first to Abez (Komi Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic), then to Mordovian camps, from where she returned in 1956; she later managed to leave the USSR and died at the age of 91 in England in 1989.

In 1948 he was subjected to devastating criticism for formalism. His 6th Symphony (1946) and the opera The Tale of a Real Man were sharply criticized as not corresponding to the concept of socialist realism.

Since 1949, Prokofiev almost never leaves his dacha, but even under the strictest medical regime he writes the ballet “The Stone Flower”, the Ninth piano sonata, the oratorio “Guardian of the World” and much more. The last essay, which the composer happened to hear in concert hall, became the Seventh Symphony (1952).

Honored Artist of the RSFSR (1944).
People's Artist of the RSFSR (1947).

Prokofiev died in Moscow in a communal apartment in Kamergersky Lane from a hypertensive crisis on March 5, 1953. Since he died on the day of Stalin’s death, his death went almost unnoticed, and the composer’s relatives and colleagues encountered great difficulties in organizing the funeral. Buried in Moscow on Novodevichy Cemetery(site no. 3).

Author of the operas "Maddalena" (1913), "The Gambler" (1916), "The Love for Three Oranges" (1919), "Semyon Kotko" (1939), "Betrothal in a Monastery" (1940), "War and Peace" (2 -ed. - 1952); ballets "The Tale of the Jester Who Tricked Seven Jesters" (1915-1920), "Leap of Steel" (1925), " Prodigal son"(1928), "On the Dnieper" (1930), "Romeo and Juliet" (1936), "Cinderella" (1944), "The Tale of the Stone Flower" (1950); cantata "Alexander Nevsky", symphonic fairy tale "Peter and Wolf", 2 concertos for piano and orchestra (1912, 1913, 2nd edition 1923).

prizes and awards

Six Stalin Prizes:
(1943) 2nd degree - for the 7th sonata
(1946) 1st degree - for the 5th symphony and 8th sonata
(1946) 1st degree - for music for the film “Ivan the Terrible”, 1st episode
(1946) 1st degree - for the ballet “Cinderella” (1944)
(1947) 1st degree - for sonata for violin and piano
(1951) 2nd degree - for the vocal-symphonic suite “Winter Fire” and the oratorio “Guardian of the World” based on verses by S. Ya. Marshak
Lenin Prize (1957 - posthumously) - for the 7th symphony
Order of the Red Banner of Labor

Sergei Prokofiev is an outstanding Russian composer and a person of unique destiny. A man who has amazing abilities and entered the St. Petersburg Conservatory when he was only 13. A man who went abroad after the revolution, but returned to the USSR - with honor and without the stigma of a “defector”. A man of unshakable determination who is not broken life difficulties. He was favored by the authorities, received the highest state awards, and then, during his lifetime, was consigned to oblivion and disgrace. The man who is called " the only genius» of the twentieth century and whose amazing works delight listeners around the world.

Read a short biography of Sergei Prokofiev and many interesting facts about the composer on our page.

Brief biography Prokofiev

Sergei Sergeevich Prokofiev comes from the Ukrainian village of Sontsovka. There are different versions of the date of his birth, but it is advisable to indicate the one that he himself indicated in his “Autobiography” - April 11 (23), 1891. It seems that he was already born a composer, because thanks to his mother, Maria Grigorievna, who played the piano excellently, the Prokofievs’ house was full of music. Interest in the instrument prompted little Seryozha to start learning to play. Since 1902, Sergei Prokofiev began teaching music R.M. Gliere.

Prokofiev became a student at the Moscow Conservatory in 1904. Five years later he graduated from the composition department, and after another five from the piano department, becoming the best graduate. He began giving concerts in 1908. The debut was extremely favorably assessed by critics, and both his performing talent and composer's originality were noted. Since 1911, sheet music of his works has been published. The turning point in the fate of young Prokofiev was his acquaintance with S.P. Diaghilev in 1914. Thanks to the union of the entrepreneur and the composer, four ballets were born. In 1915, Diaghilev organized Prokofiev's first foreign performance with a program consisting of his compositions.

Prokofiev perceived the revolution as destruction, “massacre and game.” Therefore, the next year I went to Tokyo, and from there to New York. He for a long time lived in France, touring the old and new worlds as a pianist. In 1923, he married the Spanish singer Lina Codina, and they had two sons. Coming to performances in Soviet Union, Prokofiev sees an exceptionally cordial, even luxurious, reception from the authorities, a grandiose success with the public that he had never seen abroad, and also receives an offer to return and the promise of the status of “first composer.” And in 1936, Prokofiev moved to Moscow with his family and property. The authorities did not deceive him - a luxurious apartment, well-trained servants, orders pouring in as if from a cornucopia. In 1941, Prokofiev left his family for Mira Mendelsohn.

The year 1948 began with unexpected dramatic events. Prokofiev’s name was mentioned in the party resolution “On the opera “The Great Friendship” by V. Muradeli.” The composer was classified as a “formalist”. As a result, some of his works, in particular the Sixth Symphony, were banned, while others were almost never performed. However, already in 1949 these restrictions were lifted by Stalin’s personal order. It turned out that even the “first composer” of the country does not belong to the untouchable caste. Less than ten days after the publication of the devastating decree, the composer’s first wife, Lina Ivanovna, was arrested. She was sentenced to 20 years in the camps for espionage and treason; she would be released only in 1956. Prokofiev’s health noticeably deteriorated, doctors advised him to hardly work. Nevertheless, in 1952, he personally attended the first performance of his Seventh Symphony, and wrote music even on the last day of his life. On the evening of March 5, 1953, Sergei Prokofiev's heart stopped...

Prokofiev - composer

From Prokofiev's biography we know that at the age of five Seryozha came up with and played his first piece on the piano (the notes were recorded by Maria Grigorievna). Having visited Moscow productions in 1900 " Faust" And " Sleeping beauty“, the child was so inspired by what he heard that just six months later his first opera, “The Giant,” was born. By the time I entered the conservatory, I had accumulated several folders of essays.

The idea of his first grand opera based on the plot of the novel by F.M. Dostoevsky " Player", which Prokofiev decided to transfer to the opera stage in his youth, was discussed by the composer primarily with S. Diaghilev. Who, however, was not interested in the idea. Unlike the chief conductor Mariinsky Theater A. Coates, who supported her. The opera was completed in 1916, the roles were assigned, rehearsals began, but due to an unfortunate series of obstacles, the premiere never took place. After some time, Prokofiev made a second edition of the opera, but the Bolshoi Theater staged it only in 1974. During the composer's lifetime, only the second edition was staged by the Brussels La Monnaie Theater in 1929, where the opera was performed in French. The last work, written and performed in pre-revolutionary St. Petersburg, was the First Symphony. During the period of living abroad the following were created: operas " Love for Three Oranges" And " Fire Angel", three symphonies, many sonatas and plays, music for the film "Lieutenant Kizhe", concerts for cellos, piano, violins with an orchestra.

The return to the USSR is the time of Prokofiev’s rapid creative rise, when the works that became his “ business card"even for those who are little familiar with classical music– ballet "Romeo and Juliet" and the symphonic fairy tale “Peter and the Wolf”. In 1940 opera house them. K.S. Stanislavsky gives the premiere of Semyon Kotko. At the same time, work was completed on the opera “Betrothal in a Monastery,” where M. Mendelssohn co-authored the libretto.

In 1938, S. Eisenstein’s film “Alexander Nevsky” was released, which a few years later was destined to become a symbol of the fight against the Nazi invaders. The music of this film, like the second one monumental painting director "Ivan the Terrible", written by Sergei Prokofiev. The war years were marked by evacuation to the Caucasus, as well as work on three major works: the Fifth Symphony, the ballet "Cinderella", opera " War and Peace" The author of the libretto for this opera and subsequent works by the composer was his second wife. Post-war period is notable primarily for two symphonies - the Sixth, which is considered a kind of requiem for the victims of war, and the Seventh, dedicated to youth and hopes.

Interesting facts:

The version of the opera The Gambler, written for the Mariinsky Theater in 1916, was never staged on its stage. The premiere of the second edition took place only in 1991.
During Prokofiev's lifetime, only 4 of his operas were staged in the USSR. At the same time, not a single one at the Bolshoi Theater.
Sergei Prokofiev left two legal widows. A month before the arrest of L. Prokofieva, who did not give him a divorce either for reasons of her own safety, or because she sincerely did not want to let her loved one go, the composer remarried. He was advised to take advantage of the legal provisions of the decree prohibiting marriages with foreigners, which recognized the church marriage with Lina Ivanovna, concluded in Germany, as invalid. Prokofiev hastened to legitimize relations with M. Mendelssohn, thereby exposing ex-wife under the blow of the Soviet repressive machine. After all, with the stroke of a pen and against her will, she turned from Prokofiev’s wife into a lonely foreigner maintaining relationships with other foreigners in Moscow. Upon returning from the camp, the composer's first wife restored all her marital rights through the courts, including a significant part of the inheritance.
The composer was a brilliant chess player . “Chess is the music of thought” is one of his most famous aphorisms. Once he even managed to win a game against the world chess champion H.-R. Capablanca.

From 1916 to 1921, Prokofiev collected an album of autographs from his friends who answered the question: “What do you think about the sun?” Among those who responded were K. Petrov-Vodkin, A. Dostoevskaya, F. Chaliapin, A. Rubinstein, V. Burliuk, V. Mayakovsky, K. Balmont. Prokofiev's work is often called sunny, optimistic, and cheerful. Even the place of his birth in some sources is called Solntsevka.
Prokofiev’s biography notes that in the first years of the composer’s performances in the United States, he was called a “musical Bolshevik” there. The American public turned out to be too conservative to understand his music. In addition, she already had her own Russian idol - Sergei Rachmaninov.
Upon his return to the USSR, Prokofiev was given a spacious apartment in a house on Zemlyanoy Val, 14, where, in particular, lived: pilot V. Chkalov, poet S. Marshak, actor B. Chirkov, artist K. Yuon. They also allowed us to bring with us a blue Ford purchased abroad, and even get a personal driver.
Contemporaries noted Sergei Sergeevich’s ability to dress with taste. He was not embarrassed by either bright colors or bold combinations of clothes. He loved French perfumes and expensive accessories such as ties, good wines and gourmet dishes.
Sergei Prokofiev led a detailed personal diary. But after moving to the Soviet Union, I decided that it would be wiser not to do this anymore.

After the war, Prokofiev mainly lived in a dacha in the village of Nikolina Gora near Moscow, which he bought with money from the fifth Stalin Prize. In Moscow, his home was three rooms in a communal apartment, where, in addition to the composer and his wife, Mira Abramovna’s stepfather also lived.
The composer often included fragments and melodies of earlier works in his works. Examples include:
- the music of the ballet “Ala and Lolliy”, which S. Diaghilev refused to stage, was reworked by Prokofiev into the Scythian Suite;
- the music of the Third Symphony is taken from the opera “The Fiery Angel”;
- The Fourth Symphony was born from the music of the ballet “Prodigal Son”;
- the theme “Tatar Steppe” from the film “Ivan the Terrible” formed the basis of Kutuzov’s aria in the opera “War and Peace”.
“Steel Leap” first saw the Russian stage only in 2015, 90 years after its creation.
The composer finished work on the duet of Katerina and Danila from the ballet “The Tale of the Stone Flower” a few hours before his death.
Life of S.S. Prokofiev and I.V. Stalin's death ended on the same day, which is why the composer's death was announced on the radio with a delay, and the organization of the funeral was significantly complicated.

Sergei Prokofiev and cinema

The creation of music for films by a composer of this level has no precedent in art. In 1930–40, Sergei Prokofiev wrote music for eight films. One of them, " Queen of Spades"(1936), was never released due to a fire at Mosfilm that destroyed the films. Prokofiev's music for his first film, Lieutenant Kizhe, became incredibly popular. Based on it, the composer created a symphonic suite, which was performed by orchestras around the world. Two ballets were subsequently created to this music. However, Prokofiev did not immediately accept the proposal of the filmmakers - his first reaction was refusal. But after reading the script and a detailed discussion of the director’s plan, the idea interested him and, as he noted in his Autobiography, he worked quickly and with pleasure on the music for “Lieutenant Kizha.” The creation of the suite required more time, re-orchestration and even reworking of some themes.

Unlike “Lieutenant Kizhe”, the proposal to write music for the film “ Alexander Nevsky“Prokofiev accepted without hesitation. They had known Sergei Eisenstein for a long time; Prokofiev even considered himself a fan of the director. The work on the film became a triumph of true co-creation: sometimes the composer wrote a musical text, and the director based the filming and editing of the episode on its basis, sometimes Prokofiev looked at the finished material, tapping the rhythms with his fingers on the wood and after a while bringing back the finished score. The music of “Alexander Nevsky” embodied all the main features of Prokofiev’s talent and deservedly entered the golden fund of world culture. During the war, Prokofiev created music for three patriotic films: “Partisans in the steppes of Ukraine”, “Kotovsky”, “Tonya” (from the film collection “Our Girls”), as well as for the biographical film “Lermontov” (together with V. Pushkov).

Last in time, but not least in importance, was Prokofiev’s work on S. Eisenstein’s film “Ivan the Terrible,” which began in Alma-Ata. The music of “Ivan the Terrible” continues the themes of “Alexander Nevsky” with its folk-epic power. But the second joint film of the two geniuses consists not only of heroic scenes, but also tells the story of a boyar conspiracy and diplomatic intrigue, which required a more diverse musical canvas. This work of the composer was awarded the Stalin Prize. After Prokofiev’s death, the music of “Ivan the Terrible” served as the basis for the creation of an oratorio and ballet.

Despite the fact that the amazing fate of Sergei Prokofiev could form the basis most interesting scenario film, artistic paintings there is still no information about the composer's life. For various anniversaries - from the day of birth or death - only television films and programs were created. Perhaps this is due to the fact that no one undertakes to unambiguously interpret the ambiguous actions of Sergei Sergeevich. For what reasons did he return to the USSR? Was the Soviet period of his work conformism or innovation? Why did his first marriage break up? Why did he allow Lina Ivanovna to rashly refuse to evacuate from wartime Moscow and not at least take the children out? And did he even care about anything other than his own vanity and creative fulfillment - the fate of his arrested first wife and his own sons, for example? There are no answers to these and many other pressing questions. There are opinions and speculations that may be unfair to the great composer.

Sergei Prokofiev in the lives of outstanding musicians

Sergey Taneyev said about nine-year-old Seryozha Prokofiev that he has outstanding abilities and absolute pitch.
On the recording of music for the film “Lieutenant Kizhe” symphony orchestra was directed by the young conductor Isaac Dunaevsky. Subsequently, in personal correspondence, Dunaevsky expressed an ambiguous attitude towards Prokofiev due to the latter’s privileged position.
The biography of Prokofiev indicates that the composer Boris Asafiev was a classmate at the Conservatory and a long-time friend of Prokofiev. Despite this, at the First Congress of Soviet Composers in 1948, a speech was read on his behalf, in which the work of the “formalist” Prokofiev was equated with fascism. In addition, Asafiev, on behalf of Zhdanov, edited the resolution “On the opera “Great Friendship” by V. Muradeli,” in which, by the way, he was appointed chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Union of Composers.
The ballet “On the Dnieper” became the debut production for two choreographers different generations– Serge Lifar as choreographer of the Paris Opera in 1930, and Alexei Ratmansky at the American Ballet Theater (2009).
Mstislav Rostropovich was very friendly with Sergei Prokofiev, for whom the composer created the Symphony-Concerto for cello and orchestra.
The role of Polina in the premiere production Bolshoi Theater The opera “The Gambler” (1974) was Galina Vishnevskaya’s last role before emigrating.
Galina Ulanova, the first performer of the role of Juliet, recalled that she was one of those who believed that “there is no sadder story in the world than Prokofiev’s music in ballet.” The composer's melody, its sharply changing tempos and moods created problems in understanding the concept and performing the role. Years later, Galina Sergeevna will say that if she were asked what the music of “Romeo and Juliet” should be, she would answer - only the one that Prokofiev wrote.

S.S. Prokofiev is Valery Gergiev's favorite composer. His career as a conductor at the Kirov (Mariinsky) Theater began with the opera “War and Peace”. Perhaps for this reason, the Mariinsky Theater is the only one in the world whose repertoire includes 12 productions of Prokofiev’s works. For the composer’s 125th birthday in April 2016, the Mariinsky Theater Orchestra played all 7 of his symphonies over three anniversary days. It was Valery Gergiev who saved the composer’s dacha from destruction by purchasing it and transferring it to his charitable foundation, whose plans are to make a cultural center there.

As often happens with geniuses, interest in the music of Sergei Prokofiev increases the more time passes from the day it was written. Having outstripped not only her generation of listeners, she, even in the 21st century of dissonance, is not a frozen classic, but a living source of energy and the power of true creativity.

Video: watch a film about S. Prokofiev

Biography of celebrities - Sergei Prokofiev

Childhood

Sergei Prokofiev was born on April 23, 1891. Sergei's homeland is the village of Sontsovka in the Yekaterinoslav province (now Donetsk region). Sergei's parents were educated people: Sergei Alekseevich, his father, chose the profession of an agronomist, Maria Grigorievna (mother) had music education.

The boy received a musical gift from his mother, who passed on to him not only the ability to play the piano, but also encouraged her son’s desire to compose music. She recorded all the works composed by Sergei. At the age of ten, the young writer wrote his first operas. A year later, at the suggestion of the composer S. Taneyev, who appreciated the boy-composer’s abilities, his parents sent him to take theoretical lessons from R.M. Gliera.

Prokofiev's talent manifested itself at a young age - at the age of 10 he was already writing his first operas

The beginning of a creative journey

At the age of thirteen, Sergei begins his studies at the conservatory in St. Petersburg. Outstanding musicians became his teachers: Rimsky-Korsakov, Lyadova, Esipova and others. At the conservatory Sergei Prokofiev studies various directions musical culture, improves his composition skills and talent as a pianist. He is awarded a medal and a prize for playing the piano. Next, he masters another musical instrument - the organ.

Career

Sergei continues to compose music. His talent is appreciated and published in 1911 musical works composer Prokofiev. He became the creator of his own style in music. His works were distinguished by their harmony and sounded super-powerful. The composer based his style on the disharmony of the sound of wind and string instruments. Often listeners did not understand Prokofiev’s music; the harsh sounds, in comparison with familiar classical music, caused rejection.

Sergei Sergeevich works hard and achieves great success

1918 was a turning point for Prokofiev - he decided to leave the country. Fans of Sergei Sergeevich's talent are in America, Europe, and Japan, where he performs his music. The composer would return to the USSR almost ten years later, coming to give performances. In 1936, Sergei Prokofiev and his family came to Moscow, where he remained to live. For several more years he manages to travel abroad with performances.

In the 1930s, the composer's music became smooth, melodic, and sharp transitions almost disappeared. Ballets, operas and many other interesting compositions appear.
The composer’s outstanding music was heard in the films “Ivan the Terrible”, “Alexander Nevsky”, leaving its mark on cinema.

In 1941-1945, Prokofiev composed a lot. The ballet "Cinderella" appears.
In 1847 he became People's Artist of the RSFSR.
In 1948, Prokofiev received a portion of serious criticism. The opera “The Tale of a Real Man”, which he had previously composed, turned out to not meet the requirements of socialist reality.

The following year, Prokofiev began to have health problems. Doctors forbade him to work, but, despite the prohibitions, he is faithful to his calling and still plays music.

Prokofiev died in 1953 on March 5. The facade of the composer's house in Moscow is decorated with a memorial plaque.
Among his hobbies, chess is worth mentioning. He played well, saying that chess helped him in composing music.

In memory of Prokofiev, a museum was created, his name is given music schools, orchestras, music competitions. His profile is on postage stamp and a commemorative coin. Documentary films have been made about Sergei Prokofiev and his work.

Personal life

Sergei Prokofiev's first wife is Spanish Lina Codina. He had sons Svyatoslav and Oleg.
The composer's second wife was Mira Abramovna Mendelssohn.

Family of Sergei Prokofiev

Sergei Prokofiev's biography is briefly summarized in this article.

Sergei Prokofiev short biography

Sergei Sergeevich Prokofiev - Soviet composer, pianist, conductor

Born on April 23 (April 11, old style) 1891 in the Sontsovka estate in the Yekaterinoslav province (now the village of Krasnoye, Donetsk region of Ukraine).

The composer received his initial musical education at home, studying with his pianist mother, as well as with the composer R. M. Gliere. By 1904, he was the author of 4 operas, a symphony, 2 sonatas and piano pieces.

In 1904, S. S. Prokofiev entered the St. Petersburg Conservatory. He studied composition with A.K. Lyadov, and instrumentation with N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov. He graduated from it in 1909 in composition, and in 1914 in piano and conducting.

While still a student, he played his “First Piano Concerto” with the orchestra and received the honorary Anton Rubinstein Prize.

From 1918 to 1933 he lived abroad. Having gone on tour to the USA in 1918, he moved to Germany in 1922, and in 1923 he moved to Paris, where he spent ten years. Abroad, Prokofiev worked a lot, wrote music, performed in concerts, and made long concert tours in Europe and America (he performed as a pianist and conductor). In 1933 he returned to his homeland.

In 1936, Prokofiev and his wife settled in Moscow and began teaching at the conservatory.

In the summer of 1941, Prokofiev was evacuated to North Caucasus where it was written String Quartet No. 2. During the Great Patriotic War and after it he created a number of patriotic works.

In 1948 he married Mira Mendelsohn.

For all my creative activity Prokofiev wrote 8 operas, 7 ballets, 7 symphonies, 9 instrumental concertos, over 30 symphonic suites and vocal and symphonic works, 15 sonatas, plays, romances, music for theatrical productions and movies.

In 1955-1967 20 volumes of his collected musical works were published.

The composer's range of interests was wide - painting, literature, philosophy, cinema, chess. Sergei Prokofiev was a very talented chess player, he invented a new chess system in which square boards were replaced by hexagonal ones. As a result of the experiments, the so-called “Prokofiev’s nine chess” appeared.

Possessing innate literary and poetic talent, Prokofiev wrote almost all the librettos for his operas; wrote stories that were published in 2003.

In 1947 Prokofiev was awarded the title People's Artist RSFSR; was a laureate of USSR State Prizes (1943, 1946 - three times, 1947, 1951), laureate of the Lenin Prize (1957, posthumously).

Sergei Prokofiev died suddenly from a cerebral hemorrhage March 5, 1953 in Moscow.

Famous works of Prokofiev: operas “The Tale of a Real Man”, “Maddalena”, “The Gambler”, “Fiery Angel”, “War and Peace”, ballets “Romeo and Juliet”, “Cinderella”. Prokofiev also wrote many vocal and symphonic works and instrumental concertos.
Works by Prokofiev for children:
Symphonic tale“Peter and the Wolf” (1936), ballets “Cinderella” and “The Tale of the Stone Flower”, piano pieces “Tales of an Old Grandmother”, ballet “The Tale of the Jester Who Tricked Seven Jesters”, opera based on the Italian fairy tale by Carlo Gozzi “Love for three oranges”, an album of pieces for young pianists “Children’s Music”.