Marina Frolova-Walker recommends a version of Prokofiev's Fifth Symphony in Building a Library. Sergei Prokofiev wrote his Symphony No 5 in B-flat major in just a month in the summer of 1944 during World War II. He intended it as "a hymn to free and happy Man, to his mighty powers, his pure and noble spirit." The 1945 premiere was conducted by Prokofiev himself and the symphony has remained one of the composer's most popular works.

Prokofiev's Fifth Symphony

Building a Library: a guide to the best recordings of the greatest classical music. Each week an expert and enthusiast brings along a  wide range of recordings of a well-known piece. They explore the music and the different ways of performing it, ending with a recommendation for your library

Music

Flora Willson's ultimate recommendation for Debussy's ballet Jeux.

Debussy's Jeux

Kate Molleson chooses her favourite recording of Stravinsky's The Firebird

Stravinsky's The Firebird

Jeremy Sams chooses his favourite recording of Ravel's Piano Concerto for the Left Hand.

Ravel's Piano Concerto for the Left Hand

Iain Burnside chooses his favourite recording of Mahler's Kindertotenlieder.

Prokofiev's Fifth Symphony

Download our free app to listen on your phone