Sergei Sergeyevich Prokofiev (1891–1953) was one of the most important Russian composers and pianists of the 20th century.

His most popular works include Peter and the Wolf and the soundtrack to the classic film Alexander Nevsky.

 

During World War II, when Nazi armies attack Russia in 1941, Prokofiev is evacuated from Moscow, returning in 1943. While much of his music is still criticized by Soviet officialdom, the Symphony No. 5 wins a Stalin Prize and many of the chamber works from this period, like the three "War Sonatas" for piano (Nos. 6-8) and the first violin sonata are constantly performed today. With his new companion, the poet Mira Mendelson, as librettist, Prokofiev completed the first version of his huge opera War and Peace, the ballet Cinderella in 1945, which is a famous work until nowadays.