Sergei Prokofiev

composer · 20th century · Russian · classical music

Master of many styles. Prokofiev didn't just write one kind of music. He composed operas, ballets, symphonies, and piano pieces, creating masterpieces in almost every musical form you can think of.

Peter and the Wolf. One of his most famous works tells the story of a brave boy who catches a wolf. Each character in the story has its own special musical theme that you can recognize when you hear it.

Romeo and Juliet ballet. He turned Shakespeare's famous love story into a beautiful ballet with exciting music, including a dramatic piece called 'Dance of the Knights' that sounds powerful and bold.

Talented pianist too. Prokofiev didn't just write music for others to play. He was also a gifted pianist and conductor who could perform his own complex pieces.

Russian to Soviet life. He lived through Russia's biggest changes, composing in his homeland during the time it became the Soviet Union, which made his life and work unique and interesting.