Ballade, Op.15 for cello and piano; Sergei Prokofiev

Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was a significant composer of the 20th century and one of Russia's most important composers. His music is instantly recognizable by its offbeat, song-like lyricism, distinct, often crunchy harmonies, and sharp, driving energy. His early work abroad gave him a reputation as a modernist enfant terrible; later, after returning to Russia, his style took on satirical and ironic elements, as well as more outwardly melodic textures. He is best known for his operas, symphonies, and concertos, though his chamber and solo music is also standard fare for string players.

Prokofiev´s Ballade for Cello and Piano, Op.15 is one of his few cello works not written for Rostropovich, composed in 1912 while Prokofiev was still a student. He reworked it from an earlier violin sonata sketch into a single rhapsodic movement. It is characterized by striking contrasts and a bold harmonic language and has a striking extended pizzicato passage in the solo line.