Prokofiev began composing his sixth symphony before finishing his fifth in 1944, and then completed the symphony in February 1947. The first performance of this work was given in 1947 in Leningrad. To the listener the sixth symphony appears to be more emotionally complex and highlights more the subtlety that was not as prominent In his wildly successful fifth symphony.

The Central committee of the Communist Party and Stalin’s musical authority, issued a declaration condemning the works of Prokofiev on February 11, 1948. As a result of this declaration, the sixth symphony was put aside shortly after its premier. The piece and composer were denounced for creating “anti-Soviet” art. This piece was not upbeat and enthusiastic enough for the Soviet party. These characteristics highlight the contrasts between the fifth symphony, which was received with great enthusiasm and the sixth symphony. For as long as Stalin lived and was in control Prokofiev could not regain his musical prominence in his home country. Interestingly Prokofiev died less than one hour before Stalin on March 5,1953 so sadly he never saw his musical prominence resurface at home. …show more content…
One man’s loved ones have perished, another has lost his health. This must not be forgotten.” So while prokofiev celebrated the victory with his fifth symphony he is now paying his respects for everything his country had lost with his sixth symphony. The Composer Myaskovsky, a friend of Prokofiev stated that he only began to fully grasp the intention of the work after his third