Background

In 1923, when Prokofiev was staying in Paris, a travelling troupe commissioned a ballet (Trapeze) from him. However, the ensemble that provided music accompaniment to the troupe only contained five members. This provided Prokofiev an opportunity to write more chamber music. His most recent chamber piece had been the Overture on Hebrew Themes (Op. 34).

Later, Prokofiev incorporated the ballet music into two pieces: Quintet (Op. 39) and Divertimento (Op. 43).

Movements

The quintet is in six separate movements, lasting 20–25 minutes.

1. Theme and Variations: Moderato
2. Andante energico
3. Allegro sostenuto, ma con brio
4. Adagio pesante
5. Allegro precipitato, ma non troppo presto
6. Andantino

The ballet Trapeze, recently reconstructed, is in five movements:

1. Ballerina
2. Dance of the boors
3. The tumblers leap out; They hug the ballerina
4. Challenge to a duel; Fight with a firecracker; They spin; Explosion
5. They mourn the dead ballerina