Sergei Prokofiev – Cinderella
Sergei Prokofiev 27 April [O.S. 15 April] 1891 – 5 March 1953
Cinderella
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Cinderella is a ballet composed by Sergei Prokofiev, based on a story by Nikolai Volkov. It premiered on 21 November 1945 at the Bolshoi Theatre. The ballet is famous for its beautiful music and enchanting story. Cinderella lives with her cruel stepmother and stepsisters, who make her do all the chores. Despite her difficult life, she remains kind-hearted. One day, a beggar woman appears, and Cinderella offers her help. In return, the beggar woman reveals herself as Cinderella’s fairy godmother. With magic, she transforms Cinderella’s rags into a stunning gown and a pumpkin into a carriage, allowing her to attend the Spring Ball. At the ball, Cinderella captivates the Prince, but she must leave before midnight when the magic ends. In her haste, she loses a glass slipper. The Prince searches the kingdom for the owner of the slipper, determined to find Cinderella. When he arrives at her home, her stepsisters try to fit into the slipper, but fail. Finally, Cinderella tries it on, and it fits perfectly. The Prince and Cinderella are reunited, and they live happily ever after. This story teaches us about kindness, resilience, and the importance of inner beauty.
Sergei Prokofiev was a famous Russian composer, pianist, and conductor, known as one of the major musical figures of the 20th century. He wrote in many genres, including seven symphonies, eight ballets, seven operas, major concertos, and nine piano sonatas. His best-known works include Peter and the Wolf, Romeo and Juliet, Lieutenant Kijé, and the March from The Love for Three Oranges. Prokofiev showed talent early, composing as a child and studying at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, where he became known as a bold and modern composer. Before and during the Russian Revolution, he created striking works like the Classical Symphony and collaborated with cultural figures like Sergei Diaghilev. In 1917, he left Russia and lived in the United States, Germany, and Paris, building an international career. He returned to the Soviet Union in 1936, producing famous works like Cinderella and the War Sonatas. Prokofiev’s life became difficult in the late 1940s due to Soviet policies, but he continued to compose until his death on 5 March 1953, the same day as Stalin.