Prokofiev :Piano concerto No.3

I played the piano concerto of Prokofiev as violin part in orchestra. I will introduce this music.

Piano concerto No.3 is most sanguine music in Prokofiev’s piano concerto. The concerto was played himself and by many pianists. Therefore it is so popular.
The speed is very high, and it is in need of technique. But it is bright and cheerful for audience. There are cynical and mysterious moods, and there are lyrical the melodies. I think the moods that change one after another are very interesting and exited. I like the sensuous stimulations of Prokofiev’s music.
In Japan, people spread “the melody of “Echigoshishi”(越後獅子) which Prokofiev memorized when he stayed in Japan was used in the final movement.” And the anecdote is often written in explanations of the music.


The first movement

The first movement is begun by a solo of the clarinet. And, soli of the strings and woodwinds develop into ensemble gradually. Then, solo of piano joins in ensemble. Suddenly, the solo overturns the former lyric melody on wild and bright rhythm. The piano is used like a percussion instrument. This technique is often used on music of Prokofiev. Through impressive disharmony and lightly scales, the first movement is reproduced. And, after luxuriant allegro, the movement comes to end.

The second movement

The second movement begins so slowly. The sounds of the piano are mild and visionary. It is foreseen that the motif of this movement is so silent. But suddenly the tempo is hastened by the piano, and it plays disharmony. This movement is also restless. Somehow, accompaniments cheer up suddenly, and the melody change into brave in the last.


The third movement

The point of the third movement is alternation of orchestra and the piano. The opening melody is humorous like tiptoe. The piano repeats short scales, and various melodies appear and disappear by turns. Through lyric and mysterious melodies, the movement changes various courses anytime. Therefore, the gorgeous finale of high-speed piano scales sounds so honest.

(336 words)