Composer

:

Sergey Prokofiev

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1925 - 1926

Average_duration

:

34:31

Movement_count

:

11

Movement ....

The Steel Step is a ballet composed by Sergey Prokofiev in 1927. The plot revolves around a group of factory workers who rebel against their oppressive boss and demand better working conditions. The ballet is set in a steel factory and features a cast of characters including the boss, the workers, and a group of dancers who represent the machinery of the factory. The ballet is divided into three movements. The first movement, titled "The Factory," introduces the audience to the world of the steel factory and the workers who toil there. The music is harsh and mechanical, reflecting the grinding and pounding of the machinery. The dancers move in unison, their movements echoing the rhythms of the factory. The second movement, titled "The Rebellion," is the climax of the ballet. The workers, fed up with their working conditions, stage a rebellion against their boss. The music becomes more frenzied and chaotic, reflecting the violence of the rebellion. The dancers break out of their rigid formations and move independently, reflecting the individuality of the workers. The final movement, titled "The Triumph," sees the workers victorious in their struggle. The music is triumphant and celebratory, reflecting the workers' newfound freedom. The dancers move in joyful, exuberant patterns, celebrating their victory. The Steel Step premiered on May 27, 1927, at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. The ballet was well-received by audiences and critics alike, who praised Prokofiev's innovative use of music and dance to tell a story of social struggle. One of the characteristics of The Steel Step is its use of industrial sounds and rhythms in the music. Prokofiev was known for his use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies, and he incorporated these elements into the score for The Steel Step. The ballet also features a large cast of dancers, including both soloists and a corps de ballet, who work together to create a powerful and dynamic performance. Overall, The Steel Step is a powerful and innovative ballet that tells a story of social struggle and triumph. Its use of industrial sounds and rhythms, combined with Prokofiev's unique musical style, make it a landmark work in the history of ballet.

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