Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 10

Prokofiev composed his first piano concerto while at the Conservatory, in 1911 and 1912, and premiered it himself on August 7, 1912. The concerto is a single movement divided into clearly marked sections. Prokofiev could in this way keep the typical fast-slow-fast structure of the usual three-movement concerto, yet use some of the same thematic elements throughout all of his sections. Throughout the work, Prokofiev demonstrates his penchant for bright, percussive textures. The glockenspiel takes on a uniquely soloistic role, often teaming up with the piano to sparkle above the orchestral fray. With its bravura solos and daring harmonies, Prokofiev's first 'mature' composition announces him as a musical force to be reckoned with.