Perhaps one of Prokofiev’s best loved works to modern audiences, his Romeo & Juliet began with a series of failed attempts to get off the ground. First approached by the Kirov Ballet, the group ultimately backed out over concerns that Prokofiev’s composition would not be traditional enough for their conservative audience. Following this, Prokofiev sought to work with Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre who signed a contract before pulling out of the project and declaring it “undanceable.” In 1937, the same issue occurred with the Leningrad School of Choreography until a Soviet premiere finally took place back in Kirov in January of 1940. 

The Capulets and the Montagues - Prokofiev masterfully sets up the tension between these two houses with an opening abrupt dissonant chord which fades into nothing to reveal the violins playing quietly in the background.

The Death of Tybalt - This movement opens with fighting between a band of Capulets and Montagues, depicted through an urgent perpetual motion in the score. Ultimately, Romeo and Tybalt enter the fray and duel until Romeo mortally injures Tybalt. “A plague on both your houses” is Tybalt’s final line before he dies of his wounds.

Romeo at the Tomb of Juliet - Believing Juliet to be dead, Romeo visits the Capulet tomb. Upon finding her lifeless body, he takes poison and dies as exceedingly dissonant music swells around him. This movement features a full funeral march in the brass sections.