Sergei Prokofiev: easily a top 5 favourite composer. His colourful drive, energy and “lyrical bite” entrance me. Today, the 2 piano 4 hands (piano duet) performance of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet by the legendary Martha Argerich and Sergei Babayan struck as pure delight; I feel spun into another world.
Excerpts for your listening pleasurein today’s assembled order (but please do not feel limited):
No. 10, The Young Juliet: 48 seconds to whet the appetite. Follow the running lines and feel how Juliet’s youthful vitality pulls your sense of gravity.
No. 48, The Morning Serenade: Time to relax; look in your mind’s eye to the sunbeams, the birds and the bees and the couples’ brief moment of morning bliss.
No. 35, Death of Tybalt: Because life is not all sweetness… and games can bring bitter endings.
3 Dance numbers from the ball: No. 25, Dance of the Mandolins: Quirky & playful dance of the socialite. No. 22, Folk Dance: Rustic & playful dance of the youth.
No. 13, Dance of the Knights: Sinister & foreboding dance of the Imperial Death Star… ahem… Montague’s vs Capulets. Also heard with MUSE, Iron Maiden & Deep Purple
No. 18, Gavotte: I leave you to depart alongside the guests of the ball. Walk with cheeky grace into your day!