Alexander Nevsky (Prokofiev)

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Alexander Newski op. 78, is a cantata in seven episodes for mezzo-soprano , choirs and orchestra, composed in 1939 by Sergei Prokofieff (texts by Vladimir Lugowskoi and Prokofiev, 1937).

Origin and structure

Contrary to the usual norm, in this case a film should be created for an existing symphonic music. On May 17, 1939, Prokofieff announced the cantatas version of his work Alexander Newski in Moscow .

The original score was born a year earlier as the soundtrack for the film of the same name , which was created by Sergei Eisenstein . The cantata is - after Lieutenant Kishe - the composer's second project in cinematographic music (the first commission he composed after his return to the Soviet Union) and his first collaboration with the creator of the armored cruiser Potemkin .

Alexander Newski is characterized by his epic staying power, because his plot deals with a historical episode of the 13th century, which relates to the struggle of the Russian people against the Swedish-German invasion coalition.

The topic showed clear parallels to the political situation at the time. Eisenstein was impressed with the music of some scenes in the film, including the Battle of the Ice, which was based on the score that was already written and not the other way around, as usual.