Sergei Sergeyevich Prokofiev was a titan of 20th-century classical music, renowned for his innovative compositions that bridged the traditional and the avant-garde. Born on April 23, 1891, in Sontsovka, Ukraine, Prokofiev demonstrated exceptional musical talent from a young age. His mother, an accomplished pianist, nurtured his early musical development, and by the age of five, he began composing his own music.
Prokofiev's formal musical education began at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, where he studied piano, composition, and conducting. He quickly garnered attention for his prodigious abilities, captivating both audiences and fellow musicians with his daring compositions and virtuosic performances. His early works, such as the First Piano Concerto and the "Classical" Symphony, showcased his distinctive style, characterized by sharp rhythms, dissonant harmonies, and a penchant for experimentation.