Prokofiev, Sergei Sergeevich : Divertiment Op. 43bis
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Copyright:Public Domain
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Author : Nagase, Yoshihiro
Last Updated: April 17, 2019
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Author : Nagase, Yoshihiro
A Divertimento (literally 'amusement' or 'diversion') is an instrumental suite that emerged in the mid-18th century, generally characterized by a bright, light, and joyful style, avoiding seriousness or dark atmospheres. However, Prokofiev's Divertimento is somewhat different. According to his own words in his autobiography, only the first movement would truly fit this title. While Prokofiev's true intention in this regard remains unclear, this work, which he began in the summer of 1929, reconstructs and orchestrates past material. In 1924, Prokofiev, then needing to earn a living, had accepted a commission for a traveling ballet company. Two additional works requested by the ensemble at that time became the material for the first and third movements. The second movement was roughly sketched in 1928, and the fourth movement is a reconstruction of material prepared for the ballet The Prodigal Son. Op. 43bis is a version of the original orchestral suite Divertimento, Op. 43, further arranged for piano by the composer himself. Grotesqueness, beauty, joy, and various other expressions are masterfully arranged for the piano, resulting in a captivating collection of pieces.