Gergiev & LSO. Émigré: Prokofiev Romeo & Juliet

In Prokofiev’s setting of Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy (first staged as a ballet in 1940), the turbulent melodies have a visceral force. His score sets Romeo and Juliet’s intimate love scenes against a public life marked by vicious brawls and intimidating family demands. Although the composer was forced to rewrite his original plan which rescued the young lovers from death, this hauntingly romantic music casts dark shadows – it doesn’t sound like it believes in happy endings.