This doctoral project focuses on the Russian operas of Sergei Prokofiev. It is remarkable that, despite the fact that Prokofiev is considered one of the most important composers of this century, uhis operas have remained largely unknown. His operas were probably the victims of their lesser popularity during his life. Nonetheless, Stefan Van Puymbroeck was able to demonstrate in earlier, preliminary, research that Prokofiev himself regarded the composition of operas as his main life task.
That is why this research aims to put Prokofiev's 'lesser-known' theatrical work on the map. Which fits seamlessly with the recent interest in the Russian operas of Sergei Prokofiev by the international opera world.
Music-historical and musical-technical research, framed in the socio-cultural context of Russia from the beginning of the 20th century, forms the first part of this research. It is essential to provide new insights into the origin, execution, perception, stylistic and substantive backgrounds in which this research contributes to a better understanding and appreciation of his theatrical work. This is linked to a new artistic roomopera production based on the same theme, in the same line-up starting from the research results and the instrumentation of the original score. The finality of all this is a staging of both plays.
Promoters: Bruno Blondé (UA) & Stephan Weytjens (KCA)
Promoted 11 May, 2012
