Symphony No. 7

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. This symphony represents a turning away from the more dissonant aspects of Prokofiev's music, toward a simpler style and reduced orchestral size, and was premiered as part of a radio program for children. Because of this it has been called the "Children's symphony". Shostakovich expressed admiration for the work, ... more

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. This symphony represents a turning away from the more dissonant aspects of Prokofiev's music, toward a simpler style and reduced orchestral size, and was premiered as part of a radio program for children. Because of this it has been called the "Children's symphony". Shostakovich expressed admiration for the work, and it may have influenced his 15th symphony. 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 . The premiere was well-received, and in 1957, four years after Prokofiev... less