The 13^th January 1945 saw the world premiere of one of the 20^th century’s best-loved symphonies, conducted by its composer at the Great Hall of Moscow Conservatory. Sergei Prokofiev was the composer, with the USSR State Symphony Orchestra, giving the first performance of his Symphony no.5 in B flat major Op.100, intended to be “a hymn to free and happy Man, to his mighty powers, his pure and noble spirit”.

On the surface, the Fifth appears to be just that…with a healthy influence from the composer’s ballet scores, notably Romeo & Juliet. Yet scratch a little beneath the surface and there are compelling elements of darkness and acerbic wit, felt in the quickfire second movement Scherzo, with its macabre trio section, the deeply felt slow movement and – even more – the supposedly carefree finale.

The symphony is packed full of melody, delivered in Prokofiev’s typically chromatic but memorable style.

Published post no.2,410 – Monday 13 January 2025