A Classical Composer in Film Score-Sergei Prokofiev and Sergei Eisenstein

Ivan the Terrible

 Sergei Prokofiev is one of the greatest composers of all times, at least in my opinion, he was born in Sóntsovka Russia in 1891 and well-known are the seven Symphonies especially the first "Classical" and the fifth ("a work about the spirit of man" in his own words), his Ballet Romeo and Juliet, his five concertos for piano, two for violin his Opera "The Love for Three Oranges" and many others symphonic and chamber works. But Today we are to discuss his collaboration with another Russian genius, Sergei Eisenstein who was an important Film Director and Film Theorist that developed an innovative method to the film montage.

Sergei Eisenstein

Sergei Prokofiev

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two Great Film were the fruit of this artistic association, the first is "Alexander Nevsky" It tells the Prince Alexander Story and his heroic defense of Russia (Novgorod) against the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century. Dramatic, Epic and genial is this score that was posterior adapted as a Cantata for Mezzo-Soprano Choir and Orchestra.

 

 The second is "Ivan the Terrible" about the Zar Ivan IV of Russia, where Prokofiev used a full instrumentation orchestra (five trumpets, four French  horns,etc.) and his particular and wonderful language, full of rich dissonances and smooth transitions and modulations in addition to a dramatic and epic tone proper to this Historic Film.

This Film won a Stalin Prize and the acceptance of the Russian Government, but the Sequel "The Boyar Conspiracy"  was banned and couldn't be released until 1958.

Alexander  Nevsky