Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64
Sergei Prokofiev
Work background
Researched classical background
Prokofiev's complete ballet turns Shakespeare's tragedy into a large sequence of sharply characterized dances and dramatic scenes. Heavy public music for Verona's rival households contrasts with the lovers' more lyrical writing. The score had a complicated path to the stage and was also heard through concert suites. This entry identifies the full ballet rather than one particular suite or choreography.
Inspiration and creative background
Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet provides the ballet's narrative.
Romeo and Juliet, complete ballet, Op. 64 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Notice how familiar character themes change when they move from public dances to the lovers' private scenes.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1935 (principal composition)
Stage revisions and later productions followed; the orchestral suites are separate selections from the ballet.
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
Stage versions and concert suites differ in sequence and extent.
Romeo and Juliet, complete ballet, Op. 64 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Romeo and Juliet, complete ballet, Op. 64 - LA Phil
Work identity, chronology where stated, and the specific musical or historical context summarized in this entry. | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.