RNCM Symphony Orchestra - Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet

Beethoven composed the ‘Emperor’ in 1809 as Vienna endured Napoleon’s siege, seeking refuge in his brother’s cellar while the city fell under bombardment. Despite the chaos, he produced a concerto of remarkable innovation, written not for himself but for a new generation of virtuosos like his student Carl Czerny. The dramatic opening piano cadenza breaks convention, and the lyrical second movement later inspired Leonard Bernstein’s Somewhere from West Side Story.

Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet faced its own challenges, with early productions delayed and labelled ‘undanceable.’ To ensure the music reached audiences, Prokofiev crafted two suites in 1936 and 1937, with a third following in 1946. These suites allowed the score to gain widespread recognition, building anticipation for the full ballet whilst also acting as standalone concert works.

In this performance, the iconic Montagues and Capulets, with its bold orchestral swagger, contrasts sharply with the delicate playfulness of Juliet as a Young Girl. The Death of Tybalt explodes with percussive energy, painting the chaos of revenge. The score weaves together vivid storytelling and musical ingenuity, solidifying its place as a masterpiece that continues to inspire both performers and audiences alike.