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Sergei ProkofievSergei ProkofievSergei ProkofievSergei ProkofievSergei ProkofievBorn: April 23, 1891Born: April 23, 1891Born: April 23, 1891Born: April 23, 1891Born: April 23, 1891Died: March 5, 1953Died: March 5, 1953Died: March 5, 1953Died: March 5, 1953Died: March 5, 1953

Russian composer and pianistSergei Prokofiev was born in 1891in Sontsovka, a small village in theUkraine. Early on it was clear thathe had musical talent. His mother,who was a very good pianist,encouraged him and taught him toplay the piano. Sergei begancomposing at the age of five. Whenhe got a bit older, he and his mothermoved to St. Petersburg so he couldstudy music.

After Prokofiev graduated fromschool, he traveled around Europeto learn more about music. WorldWar I and the Russian Revolutionmade living and working in Russiavery difficult, so Prokofiev left thecountry in 1918. Paris eventuallybecame his home, but he also spenttime in the United States and theBavarian Alps. The whole time hewas away from Russia, Prokofievlonged for his homeland. In 1936,he made the unusual decision tomove back to the Soviet Union.

Prokofiev was a master at usingmusic to tell a story. Pieces that dothis are called program music. Oneof his most famous musical storiesis Peter and the Wolf, which was

“Troika” from Lt. Kijé Suite

Sergei Prokofiev

written for Russia’s Central Children’sTheatre. You may have seen itperformed in school, or on the concertstage. Prokofiev also wrote the balletmusic for Romeo and Juliet.

In 1933, Prokofiev was asked to write afilm score for the movie LieutenantKijé. This movie appealed to thecomposer’s sense of humor. The story isabout an officer who never existed butwho, because of a clerical error, appearson a list of soldiers. When the eccentricTsar Paul I demands to meet the man,the military invent an officer instead ofowning up to their mistake. One thingleads to another and a whole life iscreated for this non-existent Lt. Kijé, allon paper.

“Troika” is a Russian word that means“sleigh.” In this section of the Lt. KijéSuite, the fictional officer takes a ridethrough the snowy country. You canfollow him on his trip by using thelistening map below. The French hornwill help to guide you along the way.Watch out, because every once in awhile you may run into a friendlysnowman or two.

WGUC sincerely thanksThe Charles H. Dater FoundationThe Charles H. Dater FoundationThe Charles H. Dater FoundationThe Charles H. Dater FoundationThe Charles H. Dater Foundation

for its sustaining support since theinception of

Classics for Kids®.

Here's your chance to create your own pieceof art for a piece from “Troika.”

Draw or write your own story about one or moreof this month's musical selections. Use a blank 8 1/2" x 11" paper. We will choose one story/picture each monthto feature in this space. Send yours to:

Classics for Kidsc/o WGUC1223 Central ParkwayCincinnati, OH 45214

Or E-mail us at classicsforkids@wguc.org

Answer the questions below after listening

to “Troika.”

1. The introduction is

A. strong B. weak

2. After the introduction, the music

changes to

A. an uneven, galloping rhythm

B. an even, trotting rhythm

3. The jingle bell sound is a

A. sleighbell

B. cymbal

4. This music is a RONDO because

A. one theme alternates with others

B. only two themes are heard

5 The music ends

A. with a new theme

B. as it began

ListenUp!

What would you get if youcrossed Betty Crockerwith Old Man Winter?

A baker who frostswindows

Across

2. After the first melody you hear the

____ horn.

4. Prokofiev came from ____________.

5. _________ music tells a story.

8. Prokofiev played the ______.

10. Prokofiev’s first name was ________.

Down

1. ______ is Russian for sleighride.

3. Prokofiev had a great sense of

______.

6. A film score is music for a ________.

7. Prokofiev lived in the _____States for

a while.

9. Lieutenant ______ was a fictional

army officer.

Kijé Krossword Kraze

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