Russian composer, Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) began his Sonata for Flute and Piano in D Major, Opus 94 in 1942.
The Prokofiev flute sonata was premiered on December 7, 1943, in Moscow, during the depths of World War II.
He composed it in between his ballets War and Peace and Cinderella.
Usually flutists borrow repertoire from the much more massive violinist's library, but in this case the situation was reversed. At the request of violin virtuoso, David Oistrakh, Prokofiev arranged the sonata for the violin and it is played frequently on that instrument.
The piece had to be smuggled out of the Soviet Union for Western musicians to enjoy this magnificent work. In 1944, it was premiered Boston.
The sonata is written in four movements. Playing time is just under 25 minutes.
Moderato
Presto - Poco meno mosso - Tempo I
Andante
Allegro con brio - Poco meno mosso - Tempo I - Poco meno mosso - Allegro con brio
Since the debut of this commanding piece, Prokofiev flute sonata has been a standard in the flutist's repertoire.