Sergei Prokofiev

1 7.7

A Russian composer of the 20th century who is known for ballets, symphonies, and operas

proper noun
/sərˈɡeɪ proʊˈkoʊf jɛf/

: Sergei Prokofiev

Many critics regard Sergei Prokofiev as one of the most influential composers of the 20th century.

Examples

Did you know that Sergei Prokofiev composed 'Peter and the Wolf'?
The music of Sergei Prokofiev is still performed in concert halls around the world.
Sergei Prokofiev composed the famous ballet 'Romeo and Juliet'.
The music of Sergei Prokofiev is celebrated worldwide.
Sergei Prokofiev composed the famous ballet 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Many critics regard Sergei Prokofiev as one of the most influential composers of the 20th century.
Did you know that Sergei Prokofiev composed 'Peter and the Wolf'?

Surface Forms

Sergei Prokofiev main

Morphology

Sergei + Prokofiev

Both constituents are proper names with no lexical meanings a B1 learner could compositionally combine; knowing 'Sergei' and 'Prokofiev' does not let a learner infer the referent is a Russian composer or the biographical dates. Identifying this phrase requires encyclopedic/world knowledge rather than semantic composition, so it is not predictable from the parts.

Etymology

Sergei Prokofiev is the name of a Russian composer who wrote bold, story-like music such as 'Peter and the Wolf' and the ballet 'Romeo and Juliet'. Imagine a clever pianist who paints scenes with strong, lively melodies and surprising rhythms; this is why his name now stands for a major 20th-century composer.