War And Peace - Prokofiev Details

A 20th Century Masterpiece

Turning Tolstoy's massive novel into an opera might in itself seem an almost impossible task, but Prokfiev takes it on and succeeds brilliantly, despite the restrictions placed on composers during the Soviet era. This opera, a tale of two massive halves, is a major masterpiece of the twentieth century. It manages to combine warmth and tunefulness with intensity and musical integrity.

With a work of this scale no production is going to be perfect, but this one, put together from live performances at the Kirov Theatre in St Petersburg, and conducted by the company's maestro,Valery Gergiev, would be hard to beat.

The sets are simple and practical, and I like this because it allows attention to be focussed on the performers, particularly the large chorus that sings with conviction and true Russian style.

The soloists, too, are good, Yelena Prokina is a youthful-sounding Natasha, and Alexandr Gergalov is an attractive and lyrical Prince Andrei. The General Kutuzov of Nikolai Okhotnikov is a commanding presence. The haunting melody he sings after the Council of Fili is also the theme of the 'shattering epigraph' sung by the chorus.

Because of its length and large cast this opera is not performed as frequently as its place in the canon, and its approachability, demands. It is therefore much less well-known, for instance, than the composer's ballet 'Romeo & Juliet' or than other operas of the twentieth century. If you don't know it then here is your chance to get acquainted. You won't be disappointed.