Pushkin Waltzes (Prokofiev)

Background

The waltzes were written to a commission from the Moscow Radio Committee, for 1949 was the 150th anniversary of Pushkin's birth.

Movements

The two waltzes (lasting around 8 minutes) are titled:

1. Allegro espressivo (F major)
2. Allegro meditativo (C-sharp minor)

Instrumentation

The work is scored for 2 flutes, 2 oboes, cor anglais, 2 clarinets, bass clarinet, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, bass drum, snare drum, wood blocks, cymbals, tambourine, triangle, and strings.

Premiere

01-Jan-1952, Moscow (radio performance), conducted by Samuel Samosud.