Prokofiev Lieutenant Kijé Suite, Op .60

Beginning in the 1930s, Prokofiev became one of the first composers of international repute to write music for films. His silver screen career began with the score to Alexander Feinzimmer's Lieutenant Kijé (1933), released in America under the title The Czar Wants to Sleep. Though the film is infrequently encountered today, Prokofiev's music has enjoyed tremendous popularity in its incarnation as a five-movement concert suite. Following Kijé, Prokofiev produced a number of film scores of great distinction, most notably those for Alexander Nevsky (1938) and Ivan the Terrible (1942-1943). So highly regarded were his skills, in fact, that while researching film and sound techniques in Hollywood during 1937-1938, he was offered a then-colossal $2,500 per week to become a full-time film composer. He rejected the offer and returned to the Soviet Union.
The music of Lieutenant Kijé is refreshingly satirical, a perfect counterpart to a story about a nonexistent soldier -- "born" of a copyist's error -- who is provided an identity, a heroic military background, and even a wife. Because the Czar himself is led to believe in Kijé's existence, his courtiers are afraid to tell him the truth. When the Czar desires to meet this great hero, it becomes clear that Kijé must be killed off. The Czar attends Kijé's funeral and, over an empty coffin, laments the loss of such a hero.
The first section of the suite, "The Birth of Kijé," begins with a mournful fanfare on cornets that is followed by comical military music on piccolo, flute, and snare drum. After a powerful martial outburst, Kijé's short and rather flaccid theme emerges on tenor saxophone and flute. The "Romance" features a darkly melancholy theme, played on the double bass, of decidedly Russian character. The middle section is more robust; throughout the entire movement, the orchestration remains engaging and colorful. "Kijé's Wedding" presents the first of the work's two famous themes, a jovial tune on the cornet that serves as a colorful contrast to the pompous music that opens and closes the movement. The lively main theme of the "Troika," set against a glittering backdrop of sleigh bells, is contrasted by sardonic episodes in which brass instruments and pizzicato strings figure prominently. The final "Burial of Kijé" captures the story's ironic humor to splendid effect. Prokofiev begins this section with the same music that opened the suite, after which he presents Kijé's theme. This recap of the work's main material continues with the mournful theme from the "Romance," which carries on unabated when the cornet enters with the jovial wedding tune. These two themes -- one in a slow tempo, the other fast; one melancholy, the other more cheerful -- continue simultaneously, providing one of the most striking moments in the entire work. The "Burial" ends with the mournful cornet music that opened the suite.
0:00 - Birth of Kijé
4:10 - Romance
8:18 - Kijé's Wedding
10:54 - Troika
13:39 - The Burial of Kijé
Performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Claudio Abbado, conductor

[@wyattwahlgren8883]

That is some hauntingly beautiful tenor sax writing.

[@moragmacgregor6792]

I haven't heard the suite or even thought of it in decades. Still so enjoyable but now it carries a hint of melancholy for me as well.
Thanks for your excellent notes, and of course thanks for posting.

[@davidhalldurham]

This was wonderful to watch. Thank you so much.

[@jefsti]

Thanks for the excellent overview of the work's context, summary, score, and even timestamped musical themes! Such fun and fascinating music!

[@philfrancis3003]

So much of my favourite music is by Russian composers

[@Bati_]

Mine too!

[@dementednun1175]

They make great music just poor political decisions

[@Silviola824]

Was this gone for a while? Seem to remember not being able to find it. Either way, happy to see it again.

[@thesook8144]

7:14

[@JerryMungo]

So this is where Sting got the melody for his song “Russians”.

[@WendellsCat]

At 8:40 where have I heard that part? It was in a movie or TV show or maybe a commercial? Anyone? Anyone know? It's driving me crazy!!

[@billga2010]

movie ''The Horses Mouth '' Alec Guiness .

[@szde]

I think there's something similar to it in Home Alone?

[@AndreyRubtsovRU]

Scorpions song

[@AndreyRubtsovRU]

​@@szde no

[@aztral43]

3:29

[@user-pk6mo3kv8s]

It reminds me of alice in wonderland

[@salle429dansesbaroques6]

la romance à 4'10

[@aitorr5292]

Sabac-Speak militant

[@tacetfive]

"i hope the russians love their children too.."

[@jeleznayaopa]

6:04