The effects of collaboration: a study of the influences of violinists on the violin repertoire of Sergei Prokofiev

This critical commentary examines the process of composer-performer collaboration in the violin works of Sergei Prokofiev. It focuses on four of Prokofievs major violin works: the Concerto no. 1 op. 19, Concerto no. 2 op. 63, Sonata no. 2 op. 94-bis, and Sonata no. 1 op. 80. In all these pieces Prokofiev collaborated with prominent violinists and this critical commentary highlights the ways in which these musicians variously affected Prokofievs violin writing style. The collaborations examined are those involving the violinists Pawel Kocha;ski, Robert Soëtens, and David Oistrakh. The bulk of the critical commentary provides a comparison of the Flute Sonata op. 94 and the Violin Sonata no. 2 op. 94-bis (which was edited by David Oistrakh). By analysing the amendments to the flute score the extent to which Oistrakh influenced the arrangement of the violin version is established. The success of their working relationship is given testimony in the enduring popularity of this sonata