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Sergei Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet" ballet, Op. 64, is a masterpiece with a fascinating history and some interesting facts:

1. Composition During Turbulent Times: Prokofiev composed "Romeo and Juliet" between 1935 and 1936 during a particularly turbulent period in Soviet history. The ballet's composition coincided with the Great Purge under Joseph Stalin's rule, making it a challenging time for artists.

2. Three Suites: Prokofiev created three orchestral suites from the ballet music. These suites are often performed independently and are known as "Romeo and Juliet Suites No. 1, 2, and 3." They have gained popularity and are frequently performed in concert settings.

3. Innovative Scoring: Prokofiev's score for "Romeo and Juliet" is known for its innovative orchestration. It features unique instruments, such as the alto saxophone and tenor saxophone, which were uncommon in classical orchestras at the time.

4. Revolutionary Choreography: The ballet was originally choreographed by Leonid Lavrovsky and first performed in 1940 at the Kirov Theatre in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). The ballet's choreography was revolutionary, blending classical ballet with modern elements.

5. Original Premiere Issues: The ballet's original premiere faced significant challenges. World War II was underway, and the production was delayed due to the evacuation of the Kirov Theatre. As a result, the ballet's full version was not performed until 1946, after the war had ended.

6. Balcony Scene Music: The balcony scene in "Romeo and Juliet" features one of the most famous and recognizable pieces of classical music. The soaring, lyrical love theme is often referred to as the "Balcony Scene Music" and is a cherished part of the ballet.

7. Multiple Versions: Over the years, "Romeo and Juliet" has seen various adaptations and choreographic interpretations by different ballet companies and choreographers worldwide. These adaptations have added unique elements to the ballet's story and character portrayals.

8. Balcony Deaths: In Prokofiev's original score, Juliet does not die of suicide as in Shakespeare's play. Instead, she awakens to find Romeo dead and takes her own life with his dagger. This variation from the source material caused some controversy.

9. Posthumous Success: "Romeo and Juliet" became one of Prokofiev's most celebrated works, but it gained more widespread recognition after the composer's death in 1953. It has since become a staple of the classical ballet repertoire.

10. Emotional Range: The music in "Romeo and Juliet" is known for its emotional depth and range. Prokofiev's score captures the passion, romance, and tragedy of Shakespeare's original play, making it a powerful and evocative work.

This ballet remains a significant part of Prokofiev's legacy and a beloved piece of the classical music and ballet repertoire. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the composer's ability to create music that resonates with audiences and transcends time and place.