Classics for Children: Peter and the Wolf (2018)

Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953)
Peter and the Wolf - A Symphonic Tale for Children, Op. 67 (1936)

Sir Ralph Richardson, Narrator
London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Malcolm Sargent
Decca Record Company Limited, London. 1970

Commissioned by the Moscow Children Theatre, Sergei Prokofiev wrote his world beloved "Symphonic Tale" to introduce children to the orchestra. And he had succeed - everyone loves it! It is a work where Prokofiev's wit and ingenuity are heard at their best. The story has suspense, humour and a happy ending - the ideal ingredients for a children's story - and each character is represented by a different instrument:

The Bird by the Flute;
The Duck by the Oboe;
The Cat by the Clarinet;
Grandfather by the Bassoon;
The Wolf by the Horns;
and Peter by the Strings.

Together, they give rise to the most scintillating tunes imaginable. For more than fifty years now this piece has enjoyed universal popularity - and not just among children. It is a work which seems to be blessed with eternal youth - and will continue to do so.

21st August 2019 - A year ago today, I posted my first ever complete version of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. My gratitude to all who have “watched” and left a like, as well as subscribed to my humble channel. At this very moment, I am continuing animating with the Classical world with Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, but after that, one more final remake of this charming work, which I hope brings back the child in all of us.
Matt

15th August 2020 - It’s been over two years since I did my best films of Peter and the Wolf and Carnival of the Animals. They always will be classics. Since the end of April I had begun work on the biggest animation I will ever do: The Classics - a Fantasia-based film with abridged versions of Peter and Carnival along with other pieces by Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Rossini, Wagner, Brahms, Vivaldi, Pachelbel and others.
I have done 13 pieces so far and I’m planning on doing Wagner’s ‘Ride of the Valkyries’ and leave it as that. I would have loved to done Dvorak and Mendelssohn but, well, it’s kinda too late. The idea of another Nursery Rhyme film and Bob Hoskins narrating The Musicians of Bremen were considered but I don’t think so.
I want to grow up but I think I’m just scared I’m going to forget about everything. But in a sense - I’m never going to grow up.
Matt

26th June 2024 - Life has certainly changed since I made this film; but from 2021 I never thought of doing another film.

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