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To New York with Love

Kate Molleson explores Prokofiev’s escape from revolution and his search for fresh inspiration in America.

Kate Molleson traces Prokofiev’s journey from a Russia in turmoil to the bright lights of New York. While revolution rages at home, Prokofiev dreams up his Classical Symphony, invokes ancient gods in a fiery cantata, and finally boards a ship for America – where mixed reviews and new commissions await. Even away from home, his music tells stories, from pagan invocations to nostalgic piano miniatures.

Cinderella Suite No. 1, Op. 107: IV. Fairy Godmother and Winter Fairy
Ukrainian State Symphony Orchestra
Theodore Kuchar, conductor

Symphony No. 1 in D major, Op. 25 'Classical'
St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra
Yuri Temirkanov, conductor

Seven, They Are Seven, Op. 30
St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra
Vladimir Ashkenazy, conductor

Scythian Suite, Op. 20: I-II
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Walter Weller, conductor

Old Grandmother’s Tales, Op. 31: Nos. 1-4
Matti Reakallio, piano

Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West.

4 days left to listen

59 minutes

Music Played

  • Sergey Prokofiev

    Cinderella Suite No 1, Op 107 (Fairy Godmother and the Winter Fairy)

    Orchestra: National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. Conductor: Theodore Kuchar.
    • NAXOS : 8.550968.
    • NAXOS.
    • 4.
  • Sergey Prokofiev

    Symphony No 1 in D major "Classical" Op 25

    Orchestra: St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Yuri Temirkanov.
    • RCA : 82876623192.
    • RCA.
    • 1.
  • Sergey Prokofiev

    Seven, They are Seven

    Orchestra: St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Yuri Temirkanov.
    • EXTON : OVCL-00323.
    • EXTON.
    • 7.
  • Sergey Prokofiev

    Egyptian Nights Suite, Op 61 (1st mvt, Night in Egypt)

    Orchestra: Russian State Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Valery Kuzmich Polyansky.
    • CHANDOS CHAN10056.
    • Chandos.
    • 14.
  • Sergey Prokofiev

    Scythian Suite, Op 20 (1st & 2nd mvts)

    Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Walter Weller.
    • DECCA : 4843441.
    • DECCA.
    • 5.
  • Sergey Prokofiev

    The Tales of an Old Grandmother, Op 31

    Performer: Matti Raekallio.
    • ONDINE : ODE11032Q.
    • ONDINE.
    • 21.

Broadcast

  • Wed 17 Dec 202516:00

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