The Neo-Classicism Presents in Prokofiev’s 《Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 “Classical Symphony”》(1916-17) – 1. Allegro

This study aimed to analyze the neoclassical features exhibited in Sergei Prokofiev's 《Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 "Classical Symhpony" 》 (1916-17) and, based on this analysis, to identify Prokofiev's unique creativity that differentiates his work from other neoclassical music.To achieve this, the first movement, which follows the typical Allegro sonata form of "expositiondevelopment-recapitulation," was analyzed to delineate classical tendencies in three aspects.First, the orchestration was identical to that of the Mannheim court orchestra, considered the precursor of the modern orchestral ensemble.Second, the symphony, lacking a programmatic title, adhered to the traditional four-movement format, with the first movement being a typical Allegro sonata form.In the recapitulation, the primary theme was played in a different key, emulating the structural approach of Mozart's sonatas.Third, from the perspective of musical elements, techniques such as the Mannheim rocket, eighth-note tremolo, and Alberti bass were utilized, alongside the use of Generalpause, to create dramatic tension.Prokofiev infused these classical elements with harmonic techniques that deviated from tradition, such as juxtaposing keys distantly related to the tonic, emphasizing tonic and dominant notes, employing bass lines that move in fifths, and using added and non-harmonic tones, thereby reinterpreting traditional classical style in a contemporary context.Consequently, the first movement of Prokofiev's 《Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 "Classical Symhpony" 》 (1916-17) demonstrated a "tonal neoclassicism" based on classical form and tonal structure.