Examining the musical language of Prokofiev in a more detailed way, we must acknowledge that for him melody was always the most important element of … - Boris Berman

Prokofiev had a particular talent for creating a fully identifiable mood within the first notes of a piece, passage, or theme.

It is essential that a pianist meticulously observe the composer’s indications regarding tempo, dynamics, and articulation. These are all crucial in creating full characterizations of individual themes and passages. Far too often one hears unidiomatic performances of Prokofiev’s music in which speed and loudness seem to be the only parameters that matter to the pianist.

Many pages of Prokofiev’s oeuvre continue the important tradition of Russian music based on fairy tale–inspired imagery.