Shostakovich

Young Shostakovich Playing end of op.35



For Concerts including works by Shostakovich CLICK HERE.



From Wikipedia:



Dmitri Dmitrievich Shostakovich (September 25 [O.S. September 12] 1906–August 9, 1975) was a Russian composer of the Soviet period. He had a complex relationship with the Soviet government, suffering two official denunciations of his music in 1936 and 1948 and the periodic banning of his work. At the same time, he remained the most popular Soviet composer of his generation and received a number of accolades and state awards, and served in the Supreme Soviet.



After a period influenced by Prokofiev and Stravinsky (Symphony No. 1) Shostakovich switched to modernism (Symphony No. 2 and "The Nose") before developing a hybrid of styles with "Lady Macbeth" and the ill-fated Fourth Symphony. This hybrid style ranged from the neo-classical (with Stravinskian influences) to the post-romantic (with Mahlerian influences). His tonality involved much use of modality and some astringent neo-classical harmonies à la Hindemith and Prokofiev. His music frequently includes sharp contrasts and elements of the grotesque. Shostakovich prided himself on his orchestration which is clear and well-projected.This aspect of Shostakovich's technique owes more to Mahler than Rimsky-Korsakov. His greatest works are generally considered to be his symphonies and string quartets, fifteen of each; other works include operas, six concertos and a substantial quantity of film music. David Fanning concludes in Grove that:



"Amid the conflicting pressures of official requirements, the mass suffering of his fellow countrymen, and his personal ideals of humanitarian and public service, he succeeded in forging a musical language of colossal emotional power."



The Russian satirist Mikhail Zoshchenko noted the contradictions in the composer's complex character:



"he is . frail, fragile, withdrawn, an infinitely direct, pure child. [but he is also] hard, acid, extremely intelligent, strong perhaps, despotic and not altogether good-natured (although cerebrally good-natured)"



Shostakovich Links:

The Wikipedia Article on Dmitri Shostakovich



DSCH = Shostakovich



A Shostakovich Photo Gallery



Shostakovichiana

Articles, translations, and reviews relating to the music of the great Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich



The DSCH JOURNAL

Dedicated to the Life and Music of Dmitri Shostakovich



Recommended Listening:



Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor

Don't let the so-so reviews sway you. Introverted does not = dispassionate, and Khachatryan is certainly an introspective individual (though still remaining powerful).



Piano Concerto No. 2

A decent recording of his piano concertos, though I would suggest THIS ONE if you can find it (or don't mind buying it used).



Piano Trio No. 2 for Violin, Cello, & Piano



A good recording of the trio, with a pleasing amount of energy.



If you know of a great Shostakovich recording then please message me with the details and I will check it out! Thanks!