Montagues and Capulets

‘Romeo and Juliet’ Op. 64, is a ballet by Sergei Prokofiev based on William Shakespeare's play ‘Romeo and Juliet’. First composed in 1935, it was substantially revised for its Soviet premiere in early 1940. Prokofiev made from the ballet three orchestral suites and a suite for solo piano.

One of the best known parts form the ballet is ‘Montagues and Capulets’. It portrays the feuding between two powerful families. Prokofiev was particularly good at composing music to portray character. The music, danced by the knights and ladies of the two families, is imposing, almost intimidating. Its bold, musical gestures are interrupted only by a short interlude of quiet calm representing Juliet dancing at the Capulet ball.

French arranger Bruno Peterschmitt arranged this movement for a Brass Ensemble.