December 19, 2025

Sergey Prokofiev (1891-1953)

1 hour 6 minutes

This week, Kate Molleson explores the life and music of Sergey Prokofiev – a composer whose imagination shaped some of the most vivid music of the 20th century. From childhood stories in rural Ukraine to bold experiments at the St Petersburg Conservatory, from revolutionary Russia to the bright lights of New York, and finally to his dramatic homecoming, Prokofiev’s journey is full of ambition, upheaval and colour. We hear music that tells tales – fairytales, fantasies and fragments of real life – revealing a composer who never stopped dreaming.

Troika (from Lieutenant Kijé Suite, Op. 60)

Cinderella Suite, Op. 87

The Winter Bonfire, Op. 122: IV–VIII

Music for Children, Op. 65: Nos. 1–9

Peter and the Wolf, Op. 67

Four Études, Op. 2

Autumnal Sketch

Piano Concerto No. 1 in D flat major, Op. 10

The Ugly Duckling, Op. 18

Cinderella Suite No. 1, Op. 107: IV. Fairy Godmother and Winter Fairy

Symphony No. 1 in D major, Op. 25 'Classical'

Seven, They Are Seven, Op. 30

Scythian Suite, Op. 20: I–II

Old Grandmother’s Tales, Op. 31: Nos. 1–4

Overture on Hebrew Themes

The Love of Three Oranges: Suite

Five Songs Without Words

Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 63: II. Andante assai

Le Pas d’acier Suite, Op 41a: I, II

The Prodigal Son, Op. 46, Scene 1: IV–VIII

Romeo and Juliet: Dance of the Knights

Presented by Kate Molleson

Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales & West

For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Sergey Prokofiev (1891-1953) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002n9nv

And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z

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By BBC Radio 3

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