Prokofiev S. Symphony No 1 (Classical). Pocket Score

The “Classical Symphony” D major, ор 25, was composed by Sergei Prokofiev in 1916–1917. The author dedicated it to Bonu Asafiev (famous Russian musicologist). The main work at the symphony refers to 1917. The composer shares his thoughts in the “Autobiography”:

     — During the summer 1917 1 staid near Petersburg absolutely alone, reading Kant and working hard. I did not take piano to my country-house on purpose for to try create without it. I'm accustomed to piano, however, the thematical material is better invented without it. It seems rather awkward being performed by piano, but the other moment you get convinced it must sound this exact way. This insight comes after playing it for several times. I started getting itchy fingers, willing to compose the whole symphonic piece without any piano. Such an orchestral piece must have clearer timbre colours. Thus the symphony in Научал'з style was planned. It is connected with Haydn’s technique, having become known to me especially after the practice at Cherepnin. The familiar atmosphere made for taking а plunge without piano. It looked like Haydn to live nowadays with his unchangeable composition manner, however borrowing some innovation. That was the symphony I eagered to compose, the symphony in classical style. So, when it went like clockwork, I called it the “Classical Symphony”. First of аll it's clearer; secondly for to make fun and throw а gauntlet, being sure to win deep in my heart, I the symphony doesn't recall any doubt about its belonging to classicism.

Walking over the fields I composed the symphony. Simultaneously I orchestrated the violin concerto ор. 19. [...] Gavotte was the first to арреаг from the Classical Symphony. Iп 1916 the material for two beginning movements had been ready. Much work was left for the summer 1917. The first version of Finale was crossed by me with all its materials. Besides, I decided to compose it without any minor tonality.

The symphony was finished as а score on September 10, 1917.

The premiere took place in Petrograd on April 21, 1918. Prokofiev conducted thefo rmer Court Orchestra. The Moscow premiere dates February 27, 1927. It was conducted by К. S. Saradzhev at the second symphony concert of the Association of Modern Music. The score оf the “Classical Symphony” was edited in 1925 by the Russian Musical Publishers and in 1931 the same publishing house issued its version for piano in two hands made by the author.

It was in 1935, when Prokofiev inserted the Gavotte from the “Classical Symphony” (having changed and enlarged it) со the end of Act I of the ballet “Romeo and Juliet”.This very edition of the “Classical Symphony” reproduces the Gavotte in its main author's version that was published in 1925.