Pushkin Waltzes (Prokofiev)
The Pushkin Waltzes (sometimes referred to as Valses, Op. 65) is a collection of waltzes composed by Sergei Prokofiev in 1949. The set comprises six pieces inspired by and intended to evoke the atmosphere of Alexander Pushkin's era. The work was commissioned by the All-Union Radio Committee to accompany a radio play based on Pushkin's works.
The individual waltzes are titled as follows:
- Introduction
- Waltz Scene
- Jealousy
- Lyrical Waltz
- Waltz Finale
- Pastoral Scene
The music is generally characterized by Prokofiev's signature blend of lyricism and rhythmic drive. Although not as widely known as some of his other ballets and orchestral works, the Pushkin Waltzes offer a charming and accessible glimpse into Prokofiev's later compositional style. They are scored for orchestra. The waltzes demonstrate Prokofiev's skill in creating evocative soundscapes and capturing the spirit of 19th-century Russia through a 20th-century lens. The waltzes are occasionally performed as a concert suite or individually.