Prokofiev’s Piano Works: A Curated Selection of Masterpieces by One of the 20th Century’s Greatest Composers
Sergei Prokofiev, a composer who represents the 20th century in Russia.
His music—often described in terms such as “socialist realism” and “the Soviet Union’s leading musician”—reflects his feelings about war and the turbulent state of world affairs.
Prokofiev is also known for leaving behind a great number of large-scale works, including symphonies, concertos, operas, and ballets, but his piano pieces are every bit as outstanding!
In this article, we’ll introduce selections from his piano works—both the pieces most frequently performed and those that let you fully savor “Prokofiev-ness,” with its abundant use of dissonance and irregular meters.
Playlist
| Prokofiev’s Piano Works: A Curated Selection of Masterpieces by One of the 20th Century’s Greatest Composers | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1east | Piano Concerto No. 3 in C major, Op. 26Sergei Prokofiev |  play_arrow | Prokofiev’s innovative piano concertos |
| 2east | Piano Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 1Sergei Prokofiev |  play_arrow | Prokofiev’s masterful piano sonata at age 16 |
| 3east | Ten Pieces from the Ballet “Romeo and Juliet,” Op. 75Sergei Prokofiev |  play_arrow | Prokofiev’s arrangement of Romeo and Juliet |
| 4east | Four Pieces, Op. 4: No. 4 “Diabolic Suggestion”Sergei Prokofiev |  play_arrow | A masterpiece that exemplifies Prokofiev's innovative musicality |
| 5east | Six Pieces from Cinderella, Op. 102: No. 1 “Waltz (Cinderella and the Prince)”Sergei Prokofiev |  play_arrow | Cinderella Waltz by Prokofiev |
| 6east | Four Études, Op. 2 No. 1Sergei Prokofiev |  play_arrow | Prokofiev’s innovative piano études |
| 7east | Six Pieces from Cinderella, Op. 102: No. 4, “Waltz (Cinderella’s Departure for the Ball)”Sergei Prokofiev |  play_arrow | Prokofiev’s colorful piano pieces |
| 8east | Piano Sonata No. 7 in B-flat major, Op. 83, 1st movementSergei Prokofiev |  play_arrow | A difficult piece: Prokofiev’s War Sonata No. 7. |
| 9east | Music for Children, Op. 65: No. 4 “Tarantella”Sergei Prokofiev |  play_arrow | Prokofiev’s vibrant, dynamic dance |
| 10east | Toccata in D minor, Op. 11Sergei Prokofiev |  | Prokofiev’s virtuosic piano piece |
| 11east | Piano Sonata No. 6 in A major, Op. 82 “War Sonata”Sergei Prokofiev |  play_arrow | Characteristics and value of Prokofiev’s War Sonatas |
| 12east | Ephemeral Phantasm, Op. 22 No. 1Sergei Prokofiev |  play_arrow | Suite of Piano Pieces by Prokofiev |
| 13east | Two Concert Suites from The Love for Three Oranges – MarchSergei Prokofiev |  play_arrow | Prokofiev’s opera, a wildly fantastical fantasy |
| 14east | 10 Pieces, Op. 12: No. 7, Prelude “The Harp”Sergei Prokofiev |  play_arrow | Prokofiev’s graceful piano piece |
| 15east | Piano Sonata No. 7 in B-flat major, Op. 83, Movement IIISergei Prokofiev |  play_arrow | Prokofiev’s 7/8 time piano sonata |