Na_strazhe_mira_on_guard_for_peace_op_124_vii_l... May 2026

Despite its roots in the darkest days of Stalinist repression, the VII. "Lullaby" remains a testament to Prokofiev's gift for "enchantment" and his commitment to a "new and noble strain of melodic writing". On Guard for Peace, Op. 124: Lullaby (VII) - Spotify

: The movement is scored for a mezzo-soprano (or contralto) soloist and a boys' choir , accompanied by a delicately orchestrated ensemble that often includes woodwinds and strings. na_strazhe_mira_on_guard_for_peace_op_124_vii_l...

The movement is often cited as one of the most successful portions of the oratorio because it transcends its political origins. While the work as a whole contains "chilling" references to Soviet leadership, the "Lullaby" focuses on the "radiant joy" of childhood that Prokofiev aimed to safeguard. Recordings of the work, such as those by conductors Gennady Rozhdestvensky and Yuri Temirkanov , highlight the movement's tender, almost fragile quality. Despite its roots in the darkest days of