Symphony No. 5 (Prokofiev) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Symphony No. 5
by Sergei Prokofiev
Prokofiev, photographed in 1936 by Pierre Choumoff
Key	B-flat major
Opus	100
Composed	1944 (1944)
Duration	40 min
Movements	Four
Premiere
Date	January 13, 1945 (1945-01-13)
Location	Moscow Conservatory
Conductor	Prokofiev
Performers	USSR State Symphony Orchestra

Sergei Prokofiev wrote his Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major, Op. 100, in the Soviet Union in the summer of 1944. This powerful piece of music is one of his most famous works.

About This Symphony

Sergei Prokofiev was a very important composer. His music became well-known around the world. In 1942, one of his pieces, the Piano Sonata No. 7, even won a special award called the Stalin Prize. This was a big honor from the Soviet government.

Prokofiev composed his Fifth Symphony during a very challenging time. It was the summer of 1944, and World War II was still happening. He worked on the symphony quickly, finishing the main ideas in less than a month. He was staying at a place called The Composers' House in Ivanovo.

Prokofiev said that he wanted this symphony to be "a hymn to free and happy Man, to his mighty powers, his pure and noble spirit." He felt the music came from deep inside him, filling his soul with its message.

The Symphony's Structure

This symphony has four main parts, which musicians call movements. Each movement has its own mood and speed. The entire symphony usually lasts about 40 to 45 minutes.

• Movement 1: Andante (in B-flat major)

This movement starts calmly and smoothly. It then builds up with two main musical ideas. One is peaceful, and the other feels like it's soaring. The music becomes very exciting and powerful before ending with a strong, roaring sound.

• Movement 2: Allegro marcato (in D minor)

This part is fast and energetic, almost like a lively dance. It has a strong, rhythmic feel that Prokofiev often used in his music. There's a calmer section in the middle before the energetic music returns.

• Movement 3: Adagio (in F major)

This is a slow and dreamy movement. It can make you feel a bit nostalgic, like remembering old times. The music grows more intense and emotional, reaching a powerful moment. After this, it slowly fades away to a quiet finish.

• Movement 4: Allegro giocoso (in B-flat major)

The last movement begins with a slow, thoughtful introduction played by cellos. This reminds listeners of the first movement's main theme. Then, the music becomes playful and joyful. It's like a lively game, with a main happy tune and two calmer parts. The symphony tries to end triumphantly, but then the music becomes a bit wild and even a little strange, with some unexpected sounds. It finishes with a strong, unified sound.

Instruments Used

Prokofiev wrote this symphony for a large orchestra. Here are the instruments that play in it:

First Performance

The Symphony No. 5 had its very first performance on January 13, 1945. It took place in the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory in the Soviet Union. Prokofiev himself conducted the USSR State Symphony Orchestra.

An interesting moment happened just as Prokofiev was about to start. Artillery fire could be heard outside! He waited for the sounds to stop before beginning the concert. The audience later learned that this gunfire was a sign of the Red Army making important progress in the war. The premiere was a huge success, and people loved the symphony. It quickly became one of Prokofiev's most popular pieces.

Later that same year, in November, the symphony was introduced to America. Serge Koussevitzky led the Boston Symphony Orchestra in its American debut. They also made one of the first recordings of the symphony in 1946.