Listening Chart 26 Prokofiev, “The Battle on Ice” from Alexander Nevsky Cantata

Prokofiev, “The Battle on Ice” from Alexander Nevsky Cantata

First excerpt

Second excerpt

FIRST EXCERPT
0:00 The frozen lake; the Russians wait.
1:19 The German battle call: muted, offstage trombone
1:45 Staccato eighth notes in strings, drum: rising activity
1:53 Tuba and saxophones state battle call, overlapping.
2:14 Trumpet and tuba state three-note threat motive; then descending chromatic melody for trumpet and violins.
2:55 German chant
3:58 Climactic statements of battle call; brass and timpani
4:08 The armies meet.
SECOND EXCERPT
0:00 The Russians close in.