A Performer’s Perspective

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Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) can be considered both as one of the most important composers of the early twentieth century and as a piano virtuoso. This book examines both of these aspects by studying Prokofiev’s recorded performances of his own work, in a historical context, and comparisons made between his recordings and the recordings of other pianists spanning from his generation into the present. The comparisons show how his performance practice has changed over time, and how this change has influenced the performance of Prokofiev’s works. This book focuses on one particular piece for compositional and performance analysis, the - Ten Piano Pieces, Op. 12 (1906-1913). The goal of this book is to contribute to the growing field of research in historical performance practice from the early twentieth century until the present, particularly for works of the early twentieth century. In highlighting how performance practice has changed, not only do scholars gain a deeper insight into how to understand works in a historical context, but performers can also gain much by becoming aware of how works have been interpreted by the composer and others who came after.