Peter and the Wolf

By Sergei Prokofiev

1891 - 1953

Peter and the Wolf was written in just two weeks in April

of 1936 for a children's theatre in

Moscow.Prokofiev invented the story and wrote

the narration himself. Read more about Prokofiev

The bird’s theme is played by the flute.

Listen to the bird’s theme

The duck’s theme is played by the oboe.

Listen to the duck’s theme

The cat’s theme is played by the clarinet.

Listen to the cat’s theme

Grandfather’s theme is played by the bassoon.

Listen to Grandfather’s theme

The wolf’s theme is played by three horns.

Listen to the wolf’s theme

The hunters’ theme is played by the whole orchestra. The timpani and bass drum make

the sound of the rifle shots.

Listen to the hunters’ theme and the sound of the rifle shots.

Peter’s theme is played by the string family.

Listen to Peter’s theme

The Instruments

The Characters

Typical layout of an orchestra

Find out more about the families of instruments

Violin

Find out more about the violin

Flute

Find out more about the flute

Oboe

Find out more about the oboe

Clarinet

Find out more about the clarinet

Bassoon

Find out more about the bassoon

Horn

Find out more about the horn

Timpani, bass drumand other percussion

Find out more about the timpani and bass drum