Sinfonietta (Prokofiev)


The Sinfonietta in A major is a composition for orchestra by Sergei Prokofiev.

Background

Sergei Prokofiev wrote his Sinfonietta in A major, Op. 5, in 1909 and dedicated it to Nikolai Tcherepnin, his conducting professor at the St. Petersburg Conservatory.
Prokofiev subsequently modified it twice, once in 1914 and finally in 1929, publishing the final revision as Op. 5/48. The premiere of the final revision was under Konstantin Saradzhev on 18 November 1930.

Analysis

The Sinfonietta is rather similar to the better-known Classical Symphony, being light in character, while infusing Prokofiev's typical twists of harmony. However, it is rarely performed.

Movements

The piece is in 5 movements, lasting around 25 minutes.
  1. Allegro giocoso
  2. Andante
  3. Intermezzo: Vivace
  4. Scherzo: Allegro risoluto
  5. Allegro giocoso

    Instrumentation

The music is scored for 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets and strings.

Recordings

OrchestraConductorRecord CompanyYear of RecordingFormat
Vienna Symphony OrchestraHenry SwobodaWestminster WL 50-31195012-in. LP
Moscow Radio Symphony OrchestraDzhemal DaigatMelodiya1972LP
Philharmonia OrchestraRiccardo MutiHMV1978LP
Scottish National OrchestraNeeme JärviChandos1986CD
Lausanne Chamber OrchestraAlberto ZeddaVirgin Classics1989CD
Chicago Chamber OrchestraDieter KoberCentaur Records1995CD