Prokofieff

(pr6-k6’-fé-éf), Serge, b. Sontzovka, Ru ia, April 23, 1891; composer, pianist; began study with Taneieff in Moscow at ro, later with Gliere; won Rubin stein prize at Petersburg Cons. where he studied with Liadoff, Rimsky-Korsakoff and the elder Tcherepnine; while a student c. 2 operas, 6 sonatas, many piano pieces, all unpublished; made début as comp. at 18, when Petersburg Soc. for Contemp. Music gave a concert of his works; early pub. a Sinfonietta, symph. and his rst and 2nd piano concertos; after graduation went to London, where Diaghileff commi ioned a ballet, which became his ‘‘Scythian” suite for orch.; all his works show bold harmonic clashes, many are in a somewhat vein; jority exploit an original rhythmic style and spirit of experimentation; c. (operas) “The Gambler’ (later revised); “The of the Oranges” (Chicago Op., 1922); “‘The ' Flaming Angel’; (ballets) “‘Chout,”’ “Te Pas d’Acier,’ “The Prodigal Son,” “Sur le Borysthene’’; (orch.) 4 symphonies, Divertimento, also a much played “Cla ical”? symphony in Mozartian vein; (piano) 5 concertos, sonatas, pieces; two vin. concertos, sonata for 2 violins unaccompanied, ’cello concerto, string quartet, ballade for *cello, and many songs; has appeared as piano soloist in his works with leading Eur. and Amer. orchs.; m. Lina Llubera, soprano.