Sergei Prokofiev

Prokofiev composed 'Peter and the Wolf' in 1936 specifically to introduce children to the instruments of the orchestra. Each character is represented by a different instrument—the bird by a flute, the duck by an oboe, the wolf by French horns, and Grandfather by a bassoon.

Prokofiev composed five piano concertos between 1911 and 1932. The Third Piano Concerto is the most frequently performed and remains a staple of the virtuoso piano repertoire.

Prokofiev's most famous opera is War and Peace, based on Tolstoy's novel, which he worked on from 1941 until near his death. He also wrote The Love for Three Oranges, The Fiery Angel, and Betrothal in a Monastery.

Prokofiev died on March 5, 1953, the same day as Joseph Stalin. His death went largely unnoticed because Stalin's death dominated the news, and his funeral was reportedly attended by only a small number of people.