Overview
Introduction
Sergei Prokofiev's Symphony No. 7 in C-sharp minor, Op. 131, was completed in 1952, the year before his death. It is his last symphony.
Background
Most of the symphony is emotionally restrained, nostalgic and melancholy in mood, including the ending of the Vivace final movement. However, Prokofiev was later convinced to add an energetic and optimistic coda, so as to win the Stalin Prize of 100,000 rubles (because of official disapproval, Prokofiev was living in poverty at this time). Before he died, Prokofiev indicated that the original quiet ending was to be preferred.[1]
The premiere was well-received, and in 1957, four years after Prokofiev's death, the symphony was awarded the Lenin Prize.
Movements
The symphony is in four movements, lasting 30–35 minutes:
- Moderato
- Allegretto
- Andante espressivo
- Vivace
The first movement, in sonata form, opens with a melancholic first theme on violins, which contrasts with the warm and lyrical second theme on winds. After a brief development section, the recapitulation of the two themes follows, and the movement ends in a reflective mood with the clock-ticking sounds on glockenspiel and xylophone.
The second movement is an autumnal waltz, reminiscent of Prokofiev's ballet Cinderella, while the third movement is an expressive and singing slow movement.
The finale, in D-flat major (C-sharp major enharmonic), contains an innocent cheerfulness. There is a slowing of pace and the return of the warm wind theme from the first movement, and the symphony ends with the same tinkling sounds from the tuned percussion as the first movement.
Instrumentation[edit]
The work scores for the following:
Woodwinds
- Piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, cor anglais, 2 clarinets, bass clarinet, 2 bassoons
Brass
- 4 horn, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba
Percussion
- Timpani, bass drum, Snare drum, cymbals, tambourine, triangle, wood blocks, xylophone, glockenspiel
Keyboard
- Piano
Strings
- harp, violins (1st and 2nd), violas, cellos, double basses
