Prokofiev: Peter And The Wolf

It is not difficult to find reasons for the phenomenal success which Peter and the Wolf has achieved since its first performance in Moscow in 1936, for this work contains something for everybody. It has catchy tunes in plenty; it has gaiety; simplicity of construction; and it has its harmonic astringencies for those who, so to speak, prefer acid-drops to treacle toffee. And over-riding the musical structure itself is the cheerful commentary of the narrator, which can be enjoyed for its own sake by all those with any sense of fun or fantasy.