Tom says…Prokofiev, Romeo and Juliet
Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was a brilliant pianist and composer who lived through a difficult time in Russia. His music is weird and wonderful and I love it! The State controlled much of what artists produced, so they would reflect Socialist ideals (the glories of communism – each having an equal share, apart from the richest rulers of course!). One of Russia’s proudest traditions was and still is its ballet and its music. Romeo and Juliet Prokofiev wrote music in 1935 based on Romeo and Juliet, which is a play by William Shakespeare written in the 1590s. It tells the story of two star-crossed lovers (that means, that destiny had brought them together). However, they came from rival families, based in Verona in Italy, and so their love was a secret, hidden from both sides. The opening movement of Prokofiev’s score sets the scene of these two powerful rivals – each family mighty, feared, and respected by many across Verona. Figure 1 Romeo and Juliet, State Ballet Theatre of Russia
Ballet
Ballet is a form of dance, accompanied by music. In the 20th century, it became more dramatic – dance and music combined to tell stories. Modern artists, stage designers, musicians, publicists, politicians, and businessmen were part of this industry, and still are today. In Russia, they took their ballet very seriously. Young, old, rich and poor were able to experience it. It was an industry with superstars, much like modern celebrities. And much more talented than people dancing on TikTok from their living rooms!
Quiz
The story, Romeo and Juliet is by ___________________
The name of the two families in conflict are the _____________ & the _____________
Name another piece of music and dance (hint: it’s a musical & film set in New York) which is based on the Romeo and Juliet story______________________
Tom says…Prokofiev, Romeo and Juliet
Tasks 1. Listen to the opening movement of the ballet – enjoy the contrast between the chord that bursts out at the beginning (‘The Prince Gives His Order’), then the gentle strings, and then the famous angular tune played by the violins (‘The Dance of the Knights’). 2. On a fresh sheet of paper, write the title ‘Sergei Prokofiev, Romeo and Juliet’. Write three words to describe the music you hear. 3. Watch the Royal Opera House’s introduction to Romeo and Juliet. 4. Design your own set for a modern day Romeo and Juliet, based in London (see below for ideas!) – use colour, funky lines, and make it relate to the story of two lovers from two rival families that fight to the death! 5. Learn some ballet at home by clicking this link 6. Watch the ballet
Figure 1 Joan Miro, Pour Romeo et Juliette (1926) Figure 2 Stage design for Ballet Russes (1926) Figure 3 LA production of Romeo and Juliet