Prokofiev's first symphony, which he mischievously dubbed Classical, is
a sprightly piece based on the symphonic models of Haydn. I thought that
if Haydn were alive today he would compose just as he did before, but at
the same time would include something new in his manner of composition,
Prokofiev remarked. I wanted to compose such a symphony: a symphony in
the classical style.
The composer's synthesis of twentieth harmonies and timbres with
eighteenth-century structure and form has captivated audiences since its
premiere in 1918. This is Prokofiev's most frequently performed
symphonic work, and this edition is meticulously reproduced from an
authoritative early source.