Thursday, April 23, 2020

April 23 - Sergei Prokofiev (The Musical Birthday Series, 2nd Annual Cycle)

Sergei Prokofiev (23 April [recte 27] 1891 – 5 March 1953) was  Soviet Russian pianist, composer, and conductor. (NB. He believed his birthday to be April 23rd, but it was discovered after his death, that he was actually born on the 27th.]

[For last year's limerick on Leoncavallo click here.]


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two Variations on Peter and the Wolf

"As well as promoting desired [Vladimir Lenin All-Union Pioneer Organization] virtues such as vigilance, bravery and resourcefulness, the plot illustrates Soviet themes such as the stubbornness of the un-Bolshevik older generation (the grandfather) and the triumph of Man (Peter) taming Nature (the wolf).... [T]he piece was first performed for an audience of Young Pioneers during May Day celebrations."-- Wikipedia

(i)

When the fable received its premiere

It was clear to each Young Pioneer

That since life was great

In a Soviet State

Young Peter had nothing to fear.


(ii)

The fable, first heard on a May Day,

(In Russia a public display day),

Inspired the youth

To honor the truth

Of the great Proletarian heyday. 

 

 

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