Prokofieff: animated film of Peter and the Wolf wins Oscar
(February 2008)
Serge Prokofieff’s much-loved children’s classic Peter and the Wolf took centre-screen at the Academy Awards ® ceremony in Hollywood on 24 February, when Suzie Templeton and Hugh Welchman’s animated film won the Oscar ® for Best Animated Short Film.
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View music publications, scores and CDs of Peter and the Wolf.
The much-loved tale of Peter and the Wolf has resonated deeply with over five generations of children, enchanted by its power and sense of fun. This fantastical new version by prize-winning director Suzie Templeton, specially made to be seen internationally both on TV and DVD as well as to be screened theatrically in concert halls worldwide accompanied by live orchestras, has delighted a whole new audience.
BreakThru Films’ innovative animated film version of Prokofieff’s classic work, set to a new recording by the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Mark Stephenson, was produced at the Oscar ®-winning Se-ma-for Studios in Poland using stop-frame model animation (the technique popularised by Wallace and Gromit creators Aardman Animations) and state-of-the-art digital technology.
In his Oscar ® acceptance speech Hugh Welchman said: “this really is a fairy tale ending for us, but hopefully it's only the beginning for Peter and this amazing award, and it will help keep Prokofieff's Peter and the Wolf in the hearts and minds of children all over the world.”
Russian composer Serge Prokofieff (1891-1953) composed Peter and the Wolf in 1936 for narrator and orchestra. Combining a strong storyline, distinctive instrumentation and memorable melodies, the work soon became a children’s classic. It has subsequently received countless recordings, with narrators ranging from the composer's son and grandson to showbiz celebrities including David Bowie, Sting, Bono and Dame Edna Everage.
Boosey & Hawkes has published numerous versions of the music, including the recent piano version by Carol Barratt with entertaining illustrations together with simple arrangements of the music.
View a video clip of the Oscar®-winning film
“The joy of this film is the care, sensitivity and imagination that matches even Prokofieff’s work.”
The Independent
"A memorably stylised piece … with moments of haunting grace.”
Radio Times
“Vivid animation … delighted the audience: this Peter should make lots of little wolf-cubs very content.”
The Times
Symphony orchestras continue to screen the Peter and the Wolf film with live orchestral accompaniment: on 16 March the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal presents two matinee performances at the Théâtre Maisonneuve at Place des Arts within a children's programme.
Photo: Suzie Templeton, Peter and Hugh Welchman of BreakThru Films (Matt Petit (c) AMPAS)
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