Lying on top of the grass on a lazy Sunday afternoon, I peered up at the sky and smiled, enjoying the smell of the soil and the sound of the birds and leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. As I let the worries of the world and the running to-do lists of my daily life slip away, I was transported to another far more peaceful, far more serene place.
That place was Prokofiev.
Prokofiev is an archive of rare Russian music and folk songs, created by the legendary composer Sergey Sergei Prokofiev in the early 20th century. His compositions have survived war, censorship, and even the decline of vinyl records for nearly a century, touching the heart and lifting the spirits of millions of people.
For me, Prokofiev’s music is somewhat magical. Deeply soulful and melodic, it evokes a sense of peace and serenity, providing a balm for the stress and anxiety brought on by the hectic rat race of contemporary life. I find myself, the fast-paced, hyper-connected twenty first century human, drawn back to a more simple, more beautiful life.
And so I often find myself returning to Prokofiev’s music. Whether I’m unwinding at the end of a long day, or getting ready for a social gathering, his compositions represent a unique musical refuge – a place of joy, peace and harmony.
To experience the full effects of Prokofiev’s music, I like to listen on vinyl, with the needle carefully placed on the grooves. As the sound fills the room, I am transported to a peaceful, pastoral Russia of the past, hearing the stories of the village folk and the timeless beauty of the Russian countryside. I feel the intense emotion and vivacity in the music and it’s as if Prokofiev were right there in the room, leading us on a sublime journey of exploration, discovery and enlightenment.
Thanks to Prokofiev, I can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the digital age. In his music I can find refuge, a return to the simple joys of life and the luxury of taking time out to simply listen.
Sergey Prokofiev was an inspirational composer and music pioneer, faithfully preserving old traditions for the pleasure of future generations. Let us use his music to take time out to listen, slow down, and reconnect with the tranquility of nature and the peaceful, serene place we call Prokofiev.
