Symphony No. 6 in E-flat minor
Sergei Prokofiev
Work background
Researched classical background
Prokofiev's Sixth is a three-movement symphony completed after the Second World War. Its broad first movement and slow central movement are followed by a faster finale, but earlier material returns to disturb the closing movement's momentum. Prokofiev spoke of losses that persisted beneath the celebration of victory, a documented context for the work's contrasting characters.
Inspiration and creative background
Prokofiev related the symphony to the lasting human injuries and bereavement left by war.
Boosey & Hawkes: Prokofiev Sixth Symphony
1945-47 chronology, three movements and composer wartime reflections | Reviewed 2026-10-19
A listening guide
Listen for earlier material reappearing late in the seemingly lighter finale.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1945-1947
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.
Boosey & Hawkes: Prokofiev Sixth Symphony
1945-47 chronology, three movements and composer wartime reflections | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Boosey & Hawkes / Sikorski: Prokofiev work catalogue
Dates, opuses, versions, instrumentation and source-work relationships | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Boosey & Hawkes: Prokofiev Sixth Symphony
1945-47 chronology, three movements and composer wartime reflections | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Boosey & Hawkes / Sikorski: Prokofiev work catalogue
Dates, opuses, versions, instrumentation and source-work relationships | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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