(Continued)
PROKOFIEF (born in 1891) is one of the younger band of Russian composers who do not cling either to ' nationalist ' or to ‘ classical ' ideals, but strike out upon new lines. Their methods are particularly apt for the expression of satire, and in the Prelude to this Opera (which is based upon an eighteenth-century Italian tale by Carlo Gozzi ) Prokofief satirizes Opera in general.
The work is about a Prince who is ill, and very sad. To cheer him up. a festival is organized, at which a sorceress appears, who, when the Prince laughs at her, casts a spell on him. He is to develop a passion for three oranges, which, discovered in an enchanted castle, are found to contain each a princess. One of the ladies is turned into a rat-and so the story goes its fantastic way.
The March, very short, and very rhythmic, is forcibly and vividly orchestrated. The Scherzo is also short, and appropriately quaint. —Lively ; Intermezzo-Moderately quick ; Finale-Quick, stormy
(First performance in England) (First performance in England)
RIETI. one of the younger
Italian modernists (born
1898) has been suspected of musical parody, in one of his concertos, but most of his music is quite serious. He has studied under CaseUa and Respighi, and his compositions include also a Suite, Noah's Ark, a Ballet, Barabau, which was produced by the Russians in London in 1925, and some Chamber Music. PROKOFIEF
Selected Pieces