Prokofiev was one of the most original and diverse voices of 20th century Russian music, his boundless invention, rich lyricism and mischievous humour evident in a legacy of works that penetrate right to the essence of the Russian soul. His six symphonies range from the playful innocence of the ‘Classical’ Symphony to the dark passions of the Symphony No. 6, while his remarkably inventive concertos alternate between fiendishly difficult writing for the soloist and passages of strikingly beautiful melodies.