Some of the most varied and dazzling piano works of the twentieth century - a rare opportunity to hear Prokofiev's sonata masterpieces in sequence. Prokofiev's powerful fourth sonata dates from the same year, 1917, as the third sonata, but is a dramatic three movement narrative in contrast to the latter's single movement. The last of the composer's sonatas written before leaving Russia, it draws like the third sonata from his student sketches. The sonata integrates Russian fairy-tale elements, neo- Baroque gestures and neo-classical wit, partly echoing the 'Classical Symphony' also of 1917, and at the same time drawing on the mysterious style of Medtner 'Fairy-tale sonata'. The result is a grippingly expressive narrative culminating in one of Prokofiev's most dazzling finales.

The concert is introduced by the beautifully romantic 'Twelve Sketches' of Prokofiev's teacher, Reinhold Glière, who outlived his famous pupil and had a distinguished career as a Professor of Composition at the Moscow Conservatoire.

Two arresting and intricate late works by Gabriel Fauré set Prokofiev's fourth sonata in a contemporary context.

Find out more about David Christophersen on his official website here.

Programme
Prokofiev, Sonata no 4
Glière, Twelve Sketches
Fauré, Nocturne 12; Barcarolle 12

The complete PROKOFIEV SONATAS programme
15th October 2025 - PROKOFIEV SONATAS I
3rd February 2026 - PROKOFIEV SONATAS II
20th May 2026 - PROKOFIEV SONATAS III
7th October 2026 - PROKOFIEV SONATAS IV
10th December 2026 - PROKOFIEV SONATAS V

Special Offer: Purchase tickets to all five concerts in the series and receive 30% off. Alternatively, purchase tickets to three or four concerts in the series and receive 20% off. Please note that tickets must be purchased in the same transaction for the offer to apply.

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