In 1939, Prokofiev started composing his Piano Sonatas Nos. 6, 7, and 8, Opp. 82–84, widely known today as the "War Sonatas." These sonatas contain some of Prokofiev's most dissonant music for the piano. Biographer Daniel Jaffé has argued that Prokofiev, "having forced himself to compose a cheerful evocation of the nirvana Stalin wanted everyone to believe he had created" (i.e. in Zdravitsa), then subsequently, in these three sonatas, "expressed his true feelings". It was therefore ironic that Sonata No. 7 received a Stalin Prize.
The Seventh Sonata opens with an Allegro Inquieto. An agitated opening subject leads to a quieter Andantino section. After a fierce development section, the two principal themes are reversed in the recapitulation. The central Andante Caloroso is hypnotic, almost Impressionistic but with a sense of unease. This movement contains some of Prokofiev's most beautiful writing for the keyboard. The Precipitato finale is often fierce, and speaks clearly of the sounds of war and danger. The movement concludes with the ultimate rapid fire virtuosic display in a clear and affirmative B-flat major – a ray of hope to the Russian people at one of their darkest hours and a daunting technical challenge to any pianist who essays this monumental score! Dror Biran
Classical Music | Piano Music
Sergei Prokofiev
Sonata No. 7 in F-flat Major, Op. 83 Play
Recorded on 04/13/2011, uploaded on 10/07/2011
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
In 1939, Prokofiev started composing his Piano Sonatas Nos. 6, 7, and 8, Opp. 82–84, widely known today as the "War Sonatas." These sonatas contain some of Prokofiev's most dissonant music for the piano. Biographer Daniel Jaffé has argued that Prokofiev, "having forced himself to compose a cheerful evocation of the nirvana Stalin wanted everyone to believe he had created" (i.e. in Zdravitsa), then subsequently, in these three sonatas, "expressed his true feelings". It was therefore ironic that Sonata No. 7 received a Stalin Prize.
The Seventh Sonata opens with an Allegro Inquieto. An agitated opening subject leads to a quieter Andantino section. After a fierce development section, the two principal themes are reversed in the recapitulation. The central Andante Caloroso is hypnotic, almost Impressionistic but with a sense of unease. This movement contains some of Prokofiev's most beautiful writing for the keyboard. The Precipitato finale is often fierce, and speaks clearly of the sounds of war and danger. The movement concludes with the ultimate rapid fire virtuosic display in a clear and affirmative B-flat major – a ray of hope to the Russian people at one of their darkest hours and a daunting technical challenge to any pianist who essays this monumental score! Dror Biran
More music by Sergei Prokofiev
Sonata for Cello and Piano in C Major, op.119
Violin Sonata No. 1 in f minor
Five pieces from the ballet Romeo and Juliet for viola and piano
Dance of the Knights from Romeo and Juliet
Sonata No. 9 in C major, op. 103
Piano Sonata No.2 in D minor op.14 3rd moviment
Piano Sonata No.2 D minor op.14 4th moviment
Sonata No. 8 in B-flat Major, Op. 84
Sonata No. 7 in F-flat Major, Op. 83
March from the opera "Love to the three oranges"
Performances by same musician(s)
Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano in A minor, Op. 105
Violin Sonata In F Major (without Op. No.)
Notturno and Tarantella, Op. 28
Sonata No. 1 in f minor, Op. 80 for violin and piano
Danseuses de Delphes, from Preludes Book I
Les Collines d’Ana Capri, from Preludes Book I
Ballade No. 4 in f minor, Op. 52
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