Sergei Prokofiev
(1891-1953)

Selections from Romeo and Juliet, Suites I and II, Op. 64

Composed 1935-36

Music by Sergei Prokofiev
Scenario by Sergei Radlov, Adrian Piotrovsky, Leonid Lavrovsky, and Sergei Prokofiev

Sergei Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet stands as a testament to his remarkable ability to craft music that transcends boundaries and captivates the human spirit. Yet, the journey of this iconic ballet was marked by twists and turns reflective of the composer's own tumultuous life.

Born in Russia, Prokofiev was a unique figure among the many Russian composers of the mid-20th century. He voluntarily returned to the Soviet Union in 1936, despite having spent years abroad, and faced the challenges of navigating the complex political landscape of the time. Prokofiev's music, characterized by a blend of Modernism and traditional styles, captured the essence of his own experiences and emotions as he straddled the worlds of the West and his homeland.

Romeo and Juliet is perhaps Prokofiev's most cherished work, but its path to recognition was fraught with obstacles. The initial commission from the Kirov Ballet in 1934 hinted at a return to Russia, but the collaboration was short-lived. The Kirov withdrew, leading Prokofiev to seek another venue for his composition.

The ballet's scenario, developed in collaboration with Sergei Radlov and choreographer Leonid Lavrovsky, adhered to the government's "drambalet" guidelines, emphasizing pantomime and Russian folk-inspired dance movements. Despite Prokofiev's efforts, the Moscow Bolshoi Theatre also abandoned the project, deeming the music "undanceable."

The turning point arrived when the Kirov Theatre finally premiered the ballet in January 1940. The production received a Stalin Prize and cemented Prokofiev's status as a national treasure. This Romeo and Juliet continues to thrive, choreographed by numerous luminaries, including Frederick Ashton, John Cranko, Kenneth MacMillan, and Rudolf Nureyev.

The music of Romeo and Juliet is both timeless and evocative, weaving a narrative that explores love, tragedy, and fate. Each movement captures the essence of the story, from the tumultuous brawl between the Montagues and Capulets to the tender, moonlit moments of young love on the balcony. Prokofiev's score transcends language, communicating the depth of emotion and drama inherent in Shakespeare's tale.

The "Dance of the Knights," known as "Montagues and Capulets" in the orchestral suites, has become an iconic excerpt, featured in various forms of media. This powerful composition captures the tension and rivalry between the feuding families and stands as an enduring symbol of the ballet's dramatic intensity.

While Prokofiev's journey through life and music was marked by complexity and ambiguity, Romeo and Juliet remains a beacon of artistic achievement. Its emotional depth, exquisite melodies, and timeless storytelling continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, reminding us of the enduring power of music to convey the complexities of the human experience.

Instrumentation – two flutes and piccolo, two oboes and English horn, two clarinets and bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, two bassoons and contrabassoon, four horns, two trumpets and cornet, three trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion, harp, piano, celeste, and strings

Duration – 32 minutes

~ Kenneth Bean
Georg and Joyce Albers-Schonberg Assistant Conductor
Princeton Symphony Orchestra