Prokofiev's Sarcasms

The five pieces that constitute Sarcasms (1912-1914) are the product of Prokofiev's most radical musical thinking up to that point. Contrary to what some musicologists have asserted, Sarcasms is not merely a collection of sonic shocks and musical pranks strung together in a group of truly "sarcastic" pieces. Indeed, Prokofiev shows his richly lyrical side in these pieces, especially in the first (Tempestuoso) and third (Allegro precipitato). The fifth, Precipitosissimo, is a depiction of laughter -- not the laughter of sarcasm, but that in the face of tears.

Sergei Prokofiev (1891 - 1953) was a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor. As a composer he is renowned for his wonderfully distinctive style, bold and colourful passages, brittle wit, and pungent drama. He made major contributions to almost every musical genre and is generally regarded as one of the greatest composers of the 20th century.