Prokofiev's piano sonatas 6-8 are collectively known as the "War
Sonatas," in part because of their dates, but also, apparently, their
character. I've always been a bit curious what Prokofiev thought of this
designation, if it existed in his lifetime. However, I recently encountered
a recording which lends the Seventh Sonata the subtitle "Stalingrad."
Queries to sundry Prokofiev experts have failed to turn up any pedigree for
this nickname.
There has been much discussion of such nicknames in the cases of
particular pieces (eg the Moonshine) and composers (Louis de Beethoven).
Has anyone ever undertaken a general study of the phenomenon? If not, does
anyone hereabouts consider it a desideratum? Or is this just a bit of
mercantile trivia?
MWM
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