Question by Mia: Who do you prefer: Prokofiev or Shostakovich?
I used to prefer Shostakovich, but after listening to a lot of Prokofiev lately I actually prefer him now. Who do you prefer and why?
Answers and Views:
Answer by Vlado Perlemuter Playing Ravel
Prokofiev. First of all, he composed lots for the piano and I play the piano, so I have an instrumental bias.
Secondly, Prokofiev’s music, I THINK, is much more varied. I simply adore his Piano Sonata No.4 because it’s SO dreamy. On the other hand, I love his Toccata, which uses the piano very percussively. He’s got miniatures such as his Visions and on the other hand, he wrote lengthy, deep sonatas such as his last sonatas.
Thirdly, he was witty!
Fourthly, he used Spanish themes and rhythms. Not as conspicuously, but if you listen carefully to his Piano Sonata No.7, you’ll see how Spanish it sounds.
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playlikemeplz says
Prokofiev, the no.1 symphony is estonishing
jeff says
I love the shostakowitch piano preludes
Whippersnapper says
Both of them have their good points. I like Prokofiev's orchestral works and Shostakovich's piano pieces.
Prokofiev = Adventure
Shostakovich = Memories 🙂
hfrankmann says
Shostakovich most because I think he is a more profound composer. His string quartets and symphonies are simply as good as any written. His only mature opera Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk is one of a handful of truly great 20th century operas. Nothing against Prokofiev but he dosn't have the same great depth imho. Shostakovich could compose on the edge but didn't have to.