Many composers have ventured into the world of children’s music, but few have left any lasting works. Sergei Prokofiev was one of those few. As early as 1914, when he wrote The Ugly Duckling, he was already showing talent for this genre.

From 1935 onwards, he produced three educational works in quick succession: Music for Children, Op.65, Peter and the Wolf, Op. 67 and Three Children's Songs, Op. 68.

It was then not until 1949 before he resumed this genre, when he wrote Winter Bonfire, Op. 122, set to a text by Samuil Marshak.

Winter Bonfire tells the story of a group of children who take the train from Moscow for an outing in the snow. Each adventure is depicted by a wonderful example of Prokofiev’s skill and expertise of composition and the end result is a magical work evocative of his other works for children.

Narrated by French actor Vincent Figuri (the disc contains both a French version and English version of text), this disc is a welcome addition to the catalogue.