Sergei Prokofiev

by Christina Guillaumier

This absorbing, wide-ranging and incisive biography unfolds the life and work of the much-loved twentieth-century composer Sergei Prokofiev, revealing a surprisingly optimistic spirit amid a tumultuous backdrop of geopolitical chaos and ever-shifting musical landscapes. The narrative weaves through Prokofiev’s intricate existence, depicting a life coloured by pathos and intersecting with a myriad of characters. Christina Guillaumier breathes life into the people and landscapes that shaped Prokofiev’s journey, capturing the unwavering passion of a musical genius whose love for his craft transcended all barriers. This new account is a vivid portrait of resilience, offering a fresh perspective on Prokofiev’s indomitable spirit.

176 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 2024

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful little biography on Prokofiev! Really appreciate that it never languished or meandered. Packed with enough info to feel like I know Prokofiev more intimately without being intimidating to read.

(Admittedly, I was also keen to read this while keeping in mind the recent assertions made by the Prokofiev estate about his ballets.)

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

includes an amusing picture of prokofiev, shostakovich and khachaturian. would have been 5*s if had included the picture of prokofiev and stravinsky where it looks like they are taking a selfie from below. i love that one

(a very engaging and accessible prokofiev biography. would absolutely recommend to anyone wanting to study prokofiev or russian music further. so much detail squeezed into under 200 pages, yet it doesn’t feel dense at all! a second win for Reaktion’s Critical Lives series - Mitchell’s Rachmaninoff installment was just as wonderful!)