Symphony No. 3 in C minor
Sergei Prokofiev
Work background
Researched classical background
Prokofiev transformed material from his opera The Fiery Angel into the four movements of his Third Symphony. He redistributed themes to create an orchestral argument that can stand independently of the stage work. The music ranges from forceful brass and full orchestral passages to more exposed textures, with especially restless string writing in the scherzo.
Inspiration and creative background
The score reuses and transforms themes from Prokofiev's opera The Fiery Angel.
Boosey & Hawkes: Prokofiev Third Symphony
1928 composition and use of The Fiery Angel materials | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Los Angeles Philharmonic: Prokofiev Third Symphony
Four-movement structure and transformation of opera material | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Listen for the scherzo's shifting string figures and their contrast with the broader orchestral themes.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1928
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Date, title and version notes
The symphony does not reproduce the opera's plot scene by scene.
Boosey & Hawkes: Prokofiev Third Symphony
1928 composition and use of The Fiery Angel materials | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Los Angeles Philharmonic: Prokofiev Third Symphony
Four-movement structure and transformation of opera material | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Boosey & Hawkes: Prokofiev Third Symphony
1928 composition and use of The Fiery Angel materials | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Los Angeles Philharmonic: Prokofiev Third Symphony
Four-movement structure and transformation of opera material | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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