Composer

:

Sergey Prokofiev

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1928 - 1929

Average_duration

:

36:49

Movement_count

:

10

Movement ....

The Prodigal Son is a ballet composed by Sergey Prokofiev in 1929-1931. The plot is based on the biblical parable of the prodigal son, and it tells the story of a young man who leaves his family to seek adventure and pleasure in the city, but eventually returns home, repentant and forgiven. The ballet premiered on May 21, 1929, at the Paris Opera, with choreography by George Balanchine and sets and costumes by Georges Rouault. It was a critical and commercial success, and it marked a turning point in Prokofiev's career, as it was his first major work for the ballet. The Prodigal Son is divided into three movements. The first movement, titled "The Departure," introduces the main character and his family, and shows his decision to leave home and seek his fortune in the city. The music is lively and energetic, with a sense of excitement and anticipation. The second movement, titled "The Temptation," shows the prodigal son's experiences in the city, where he is seduced by a group of women and falls into a life of debauchery and excess. The music is sensual and rhythmic, with a hint of danger and temptation. The third movement, titled "The Return," shows the prodigal son's return home, where he is welcomed back by his father and forgiven for his sins. The music is emotional and dramatic, with a sense of reconciliation and redemption. The Prodigal Son is characterized by Prokofiev's distinctive style, which combines elements of classical music with modernist techniques. The music is highly rhythmic and percussive, with a strong sense of melody and harmony. The ballet also features innovative choreography by Balanchine, who used angular and asymmetrical movements to create a sense of tension and drama. Overall, The Prodigal Son is a powerful and moving work that explores themes of temptation, redemption, and forgiveness. It remains one of Prokofiev's most popular and enduring works for the ballet.

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