Sergei Sergeyevich Prokofiev (1891–1953) was a prominent Russian composer, pianist, and conductor, widely recognized as one of the major composers of the 20th century. His works span various genres, including symphonies, operas, ballets, concertos, film scores, and chamber music. Sergei Prokofiev's Symphony No. 1 in D major, Op. 25, is widely known as the "Classical Symphony." Composed in 1917-1918, it is one of Prokofiev's most popular and frequently performed works. The "Classical Symphony" is Prokofiev's foray into the neoclassical style, where he aimed to emulate the clarity, balance, and form of the Classical period, particularly the style of Joseph Haydn. Prokofiev sought to create a work that was both a tribute to and a modern take on the Classical symphony. He composed the symphony during a period when he was studying conducting with Nikolai Tcherepnin. He wrote it without using the piano, which was unusual for him, to ensure that the orchestration was clear and effective.
