Peter and the Wolf (ensemble version) (1936)

In 1936, Prokofiev received the commission for Peter and the Wolf – the purpose of which was to cultivate musical tastes in young children in the early years of school. The music is conservative compared to Western music from the same era and written in a NeoClassical Style favoured by the Soviet authorities. It is tonal music with refined gestures which are readily understood.

Commissioned by the Central Children’s Theatre in Moscow, the premiere was poorly attended and was an inauspicious start to what was soon to become one of the most popular and widely performed pieces of classical music. Since the premiere, Peter and the Wolf has been performed and adapted for numerous productions world-wide and is enjoyed by millions of people of all ages. Originally written for a full symphony orchestra, Chamber Domaine will be performing a version for ensemble by the distinguished British composer, David Matthews which was premiered by the Nash Ensemble at Wigmore Hall in 1991.