Peter and the Wolf: Prokofiev’s modern classic retold by Sir David Attenborough
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Prokofiev's timeless classic, brought to you by Sir David Attenborough and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Yan Pascal Tortelier.
"If a wolf should come out of the forest, then what would you do?"
These are the words of Peter's grandfather from Prokofiev's much loved musical fairy tale, Peter and the Wolf, which here is wonderfully narrated by Sir David Attenborough. This story introduces children to the magic of an orchestra through the tale of a clever young boy who, with the help of some animal friends, outwits a very hungry wolf.
Wolf stories are common in folk and fairy tales. Shepherd boys who cry wolf; children who foolishly trust wolves; wolves in sheep's clothing. Many of the earliest stories about boys and wolves are found in Aesop's fables, and it is likely that this was Prokofiev's source for the story.
Prokofiev was excited to have been asked to compose this piece by Moscow Central Children's Theatre director Natalya Sats, finishing it in just a few short weeks ahead of its Moscow premiere in May 1936. "We must start with something specific, something full of contrasts, something that makes a strong impression," he told her. "The most important thing is to find a common language with the children."
Prokofiev had a lifelong love of fairy stories, myths and folklore and threw himself into the fantasy world of Peter and the Wolf. It has been recorded over 400 times, with a variety of narrators, and has introduced millions of children to the wonders of classical music.
First broadcast December 2000.
Narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
Performed by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
Conducted by Yan Pascal Tortelier.
Composed by Sergei Prokofiev.
©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
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David Attenborough (Author)
Sir David Attenborough is Britain's best-known natural history film-maker. His career as a naturalist and broadcaster has spanned nearly six decades.
His first job - after Cambridge University and two years in the Royal Navy - was at a London publishing house. Then in 1952 he joined the BBC as a trainee producer, and it was while working on the Zoo Quest series (1954-64) that he had his first opportunity to undertake expeditions to remote parts of the globe, to capture intimate footage of rare wildlife in its natural habitat.
He was Controller of BBC2 (1965-68), during which time he introduced colour television to Britain, then Director of Programmes for the BBC (1969-1972). However, in 1973 he abandoned administration altogether to return to documentary-making and writing, and has established himself as the world's leading Natural History programme maker with several landmark BBC series, including Life on Earth (1979), The Living Planet (1984), The Trials of Life (1990), The Private Life of Plants (1995), Life of Birds (1998), The Blue Planet (2001), Life of Mammals (2002), Planet Earth (2006) and Life in Cold Blood (2008).
Sir David was knighted in 1985, is an Honorary Fellow of Clare College, Cambridge, and a Fellow of the Royal Society, and stands at the forefront of issues concerning the planet's declining species and conservation.
