Prokofiev

Prokofiev was one of the 20th century's most versatile composers. His works range from the biting modernism of his early piano concertos to the lush romanticism of his ballet Romeo and Juliet. Peter and the Wolf, written to introduce children to orchestral instruments, became one of the most beloved pieces of classical music worldwide. His career spanned pre-revolutionary Russia, exile in the West, and a difficult return to the Soviet Union where he faced censure under the Zhdanov doctrine. His Symphony No. 5, War Sonatas for piano, and ballet Cinderella date from the war years. He died on the same day as Stalin — March 5, 1953 — meaning his death went virtually unreported.