Born in 1891 in Sontsovka, Ukraine, Sergei Sergeyevich Prokofiev is considered one of the greatest composers of the twentieth century. He was also an accomplished pianist and conductor. Like other great composers he mastered a wide range of musical genres, including symphonies, concerti, film music, operas, ballets, and program pieces. During his lifetime, his works were considered both ultra-modern and innovative. They are often violent, always lyrical and usually full of whimsical fantasy singularly reflecting the real world. In this set of complete symphonies, Rostropovich brings an intimate knowledge of both the composer and his works