Ivan the Terrible

Ivan the Terrible the second joint project of Sergei Eisenstein and Sergei Prokofiev is, much like Alexander Newski, a historical epic, portraying the rise and fall of the autocratic ruler Ivan IV in the 16th century. Sergei Prokofievs musical portrayal is unique in film history, for the score conceives both parts of the film on an epic scale. Prokofievs rich melodic invention thrives on the expressive sound palette of his native Russia, mostly as they echo the spiritual works of the Russian-orthodox liturgy. These film scores were not published during Prokofievs lifetime. They were arranged as an oratorio for soloists, chorus, and orchestra by Levon Atovmyan, one of Prokofievs assistants, in 1961. This version received its concert premiere in Moscow that same year. This, however, is the original, straight from the composers hands, receiving its world premiere recording.