Composer/pianist Prokofiev, born in Russia in 1891 and particularly familiar for composing “Peter and the Wolf,” was a musical prodigy. He notably composed a waltz, a march and a rondo at age six, and by age 13 he was enrolled at the St. Petersburg Conservatory to study musical composition.
In 1914, he began traveling, first to Paris and later to America, where he was in high demand as a pianist. However, artistic differences contributed to a lack of commissions. After all, he found American music to be conservative. He remained in the U.S. until 1934, when he returned to the Soviet Union despite Stalin’s rule. Nonetheless, he received many commissions for ballets and films in his native land.
The instrumental and choral music in his score for “Alexander Nevsky” is deemed by many as his best work from his time composing under Soviet rule. True to Stalin’s policy of glorifying Russian heroes, the film retells the medieval epic of Prince Alexander. In 1242, Pope Gregory IX sent Teutonic Knights to invade the Baltic region of Russia. Alexander and his men lay in wait for the invaders and defeated them in the “Battle on the Ice.” The film’s specific aim was to use Alexander’s story to prepare the Soviets for a new war against invading the Germans. Prokofiev and Eisenstein’s artistic stamps are prevalent throughout.
“These were two great artists at the top of their game, working together as true collaborators,” Gittleman said. “The two Sergeis are still a model for close collaboration between director and composer – even more than the Spielberg-Williams model we all know and love.
“Eisenstein believed the music was an integral part of his concept for the film. Prokofiev was more than happy to oblige, knowing his score wouldn’t be subjected to the usual cutting and pasting process. He knew every note he wrote would be used, and more importantly, he knew where every note would be used.”
Having previously spearheaded evenings of full orchestral accompaniment to such films as “Singin’ in the Rain” and “The Wizard of Oz,” Gittleman is aware of the intricate challenges but also the thrill associated with the task. He’s particularly relieved “Alexander Nevsky” will not be as precarious from a timing perspective.
“I enjoy it, but it is a challenge,” he said. “It’s fun to do, but also fun to have it, and the associated stress, in the rear-view mirror when it’s all over. But ‘Nevsky’ is less stressful than ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ or ‘Wizard of Oz’ because there’s no on-screen singing and dancing that has to be synced. It gives me a little more interpretive freedom within the tyranny of the clock. There are hard and fast reference points where the music and the film must be in sync, but I have a little leeway in how I navigate us between those points.”
On Sunday, “Alexander Nevsky” will be dissected as part of the DPO’s Classical Connections Series in an afternoon titled “Prokofiev Meets Eisenstein.” Gittleman and Dr. Nenad Jovanovic of Wright State University’s Film Department will give the audience insight into the film and the music. The full film will be shown once again with the DPO and Chorus providing the live music. A casual question and answer discussion will follow the concert. Concertgoers are also invited to enjoy a free scoop of ice cream from Graeter’s following the performance.
“It’s an amazing piece to perform and an amazing experience to see the film with live musical accompaniment by a full orchestra and chorus,” Gittleman noted.
WANT TO GO?
What: "Alexander Nevsky" (Masterworks Series) and "Prokofiev Meets Eisenstein" (Classical Connections Series)
Where: Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton
When: Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. (Masterworks Series); Next Sunday at 3 p.m. (Classical Connections Series)
Cost: $16-$65 (Masterworks Series); $15-$43 (Classical Connections Series)
Tickets/more info: Call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com
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