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The Prodigal Son

Composer of the Week Sergey Prokofiev (1891-1953)
Episode 5 of 5

Kate Molleson traces Prokofiev’s return to Russia as he falls for Romeo and Juliet.

Kate Molleson closes the week with Prokofiev’s dramatic homecoming. After years abroad, the composer returns to a changed Russia. From the hammer-and-sickle spectacle of Le Pas d’acier to the sweeping romance of Romeo and Juliet, one constant remains: Prokofiev is a master storyteller.

Maddalena, overture
Moscow Helicon Theatre Chamber Orchestra
Kirill Tikhonov, conductor

Le Pas d’acier Suite, Op 41a: I, II
Scottish National Orchestra
Neeme Järvi, conductor

The Prodigal Son, Op. 46, Scene 1: IV-VIII
São Paulo Symphony Orchestra
Marin Alsop, conductor

Romeo and Juliet: Interlude; Preparing for the Ball; Young Juliet; Arrival of the Guests; Masks; Dance of the Knights
London Symphony Orchestra
André Previn, conductor

Produced by Ellie Ajao for Â鶹Éç Audio Wales and West.

5 days left to listen

59 minutes

Last on

Fri 19 Dec 2025 16:00
Â鶹Éç Radio 3

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Music Played

  • Sergey Prokofiev

    Maddalena, Op 13 (Overture)

    Orchestra: Moscow Helicon Theatre Orchestra. Conductor: Kirill Tikhonov.
    • JSC : 884385568054.
    • JSC.
    • 1.

  • Sergey Prokofiev

    The Steel Dance Suite, Op 41a

    Orchestra: Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Conductor: Neeme Järvi.
    • CHANDOS: CHAN10482X.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 5.

  • Sergey Prokofiev

    The Prodigal Son, Op 46 (excerpt)

    Orchestra: Sao Paulo Orchestra. Conductor: Marin Alsop.
    • Naxos : 8.573186.
    • Naxos.
    • 8.

  • Sergey Prokofiev

    Romeo and Juliet, Op 64 (excerpt)

    Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: André Previn.
    • WARNER CLASSICS : 9677012.
    • WARNER CLASSICS.
    • 8.

Broadcast

  • Fri 19 Dec 2025 16:00
    Â鶹Éç Radio 3

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