Russian composer, conductor and pianist. The young Prokofiev began his studies with Glire, then went on to study with Lyadov and Rimsky-Korsakov at the St Petersburg Conservatory. His first compositions date from the age of five. After his studies he made concert tours throughout Western Europe, performing many of his own compositions. During the First World War he lived in Russia, where he premiered his Classical Symphony and Scythian Suite. At the outbreak of the Revolution in 1917 he fled his homeland. For many years he travelled far and wide, giving concerts and building a great name for himself, to settle finally in Paris. Although greatly respected in the West, he could never reconcile himself with life in exile. In 1936 he moved back to the USSR for good. He could hardly have chosen a more difficult period for his return. The newly founded Union of Soviet Composers, controlled by the Communist Party (i.e. Stalin), had become all-powerful in musical affairs. Guidelines were issued according to which composers should write their music. Like Khachaturian and Shostakovich, Prokofiev was consistently obstructed by this cultural regime. Prokofiev's music is characterised by irony, aggressive contrasts, and fierce themes and rhythms. Lyricism is combined with burlesque elements. He contributed to practically all genres of the classical repertoire. Prokofiev died of a brain haemorrhage on the very day that dictator Joseph Stalin died.

Biographical notes (c) 1996 Philips Classics Productions

A selection of major works.

Orchestral: Seven symphonies (No. 1 "Classical" and No. 5 being the most popular), Scythian Suite, Semyon Kotko Suite, five Piano Concertos (of which No. 3 is the most popular; No. 4 is a concerto for the left hand), 2 Violin Concertos, Cello Concerto, Peter and the Wolf (for narrator and orchestra).

Chamber: Quintet in G minor, 2 String Quartets, Overture on Hebrew Themes, Sonata for 2 Violins, 2 Violin Sonatas. Instrumental solo: 10 Piano Sonatas, Visions fugitives, Toccata, etc.

Vocal: Songs. Choral: Alexander Nevsky, (cantata), Ivan the Terrible (film score).

Stage works: The Gambler (opera), War and Peace (opera), The Fiery Angel (opera), Romeo and Juliet (ballet), Cinderella (ballet).