Dive into the world of Dmitri Shostakovich with this extraordinary 2-CD set, "Shostakovich plays Shostakovich," released by Praga Digitals. This album is a rare and captivating opportunity to experience the composer's own interpretations of his seminal works, showcasing his virtuosity and deep understanding of his compositions. Recorded in honor of the 40th anniversary of Shostakovich's passing, this collection includes previously unreleased material, offering a unique perspective on his musical genius.
The album spans a wide range of Shostakovich's oeuvre, from his evocative vocal cycles like "From Jewish Folk Poetry, Op. 79" to his monumental piano concertos and chamber works. Highlights include the Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Major, Op. 102, the Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 35, and the Piano Quintet in G Major, Op. 57. Each piece is performed with Shostakovich's signature precision and dry, non-legato touch, providing an intimate glimpse into his artistic vision.
Collaborating with renowned musicians such as Mstislav Rostropovich on cello and the Beethoven Quartet, Shostakovich's performances are complemented by arrangements for violin and piano by Dmitry Tzyganov, adding a fresh dimension to his preludes and fugues. The album also features contributions from other esteemed artists, including Nina Dorliak, Zara Dolukhanova, and the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, enriching the listening experience with their exceptional talents.
"Shostakovich plays Shostakovich" is not just a collection of performances; it is a testament to Shostakovich's dual mastery as both a composer and a pianist. With a duration of over two hours, this album offers a comprehensive exploration of Shostakovich's musical legacy, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Shostakovich's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album promises a rich and rewarding experience.
2022 Little Tribeca2016 Praga Digitals
Tracks
From Jewish Folk Poetry, Op. 79: I. Lament for A Dead ChildDmitri Shostakovich, Nina Dorliak, Zara Dolukhanova
From Jewish Folk Poetry, Op. 79: II. The Thoughtful Mother and AuntDmitri Shostakovich, Nina Dorliak, Zara Dolukhanova
From Jewish Folk Poetry, Op. 79: III. LullabyDmitri Shostakovich, Zara Dolukhanova
From Jewish Folk Poetry, Op. 79: IV. Before a Long SeparationDmitri Shostakovich, Nina Dorliak, Alexei Maslennikov
From Jewish Folk Poetry, Op. 79: V. A WarningDmitri Shostakovich, Nina Dorliak
From Jewish Folk Poetry, Op. 79: VI. The Abandoned FatherDmitri Shostakovich, Zara Dolukhanova, Alexei Maslennikov
From Jewish Folk Poetry, Op. 79: VII. Song of HardshipDmitri Shostakovich, Alexei Maslennikov
From Jewish Folk Poetry, Op. 79: VIII. WinterDmitri Shostakovich, Nina Dorliak, Zara Dolukhanova, Alexei Maslennikov
From Jewish Folk Poetry, Op. 79: IX. The Good LifeDmitri Shostakovich, Alexei Maslennikov
From Jewish Folk Poetry, Op. 79: X. Young Girl's SongDmitri Shostakovich, Nina Dorliak
From Jewish Folk Poetry, Op. 79: X. HappinessDmitri Shostakovich, Nina Dorliak, Zara Dolukhanova, Alexei Maslennikov
Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Major, Op. 102: I. AllegroDmitri Shostakovich, Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Gaouk
Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Major, Op. 102: II. AndanteDmitri Shostakovich, Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Gaouk
Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Major, Op. 102: III. AllegroDmitri Shostakovich, Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Gaouk
Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 35: I. AllegrettoDmitri Shostakovich, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, Josif Volovmk, Samuel Samossoud
Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 35: II. Lento - attaccaDmitri Shostakovich, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, Josif Volovmk, Samuel Samossoud
Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 35: III. Moderato - attaccaDmitri Shostakovich, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, Josif Volovmk, Samuel Samossoud
Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 35: IV. Allegro con brioDmitri Shostakovich, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, Josif Volovmk, Samuel Samossoud
Concertino for two pianos in A Minor, Op. 94: Adagio - AllegrettoDmitri Shostakovich, Maxim Shostakovich
Piano Quintet in G Major, Op. 57: I. Prelude, LentoDmitri Shostakovich, The Beethoven Quartet
Piano Quintet in G Major, Op. 57: II. Fugue, AdagioDmitri Shostakovich, The Beethoven Quartet
Piano Quintet in G Major, Op. 57: III. Scherzo, AllegrettoDmitri Shostakovich, The Beethoven Quartet
Piano Quintet in G Major, Op. 57: IV. Intermezzo, LentoDmitri Shostakovich, The Beethoven Quartet
Piano Quintet in G Major, Op. 57: V. Finale, AllegrettoDmitri Shostakovich, The Beethoven Quartet
Cello Sonata in D Minor, Op. 40: I. ModeratoDmitri Shostakovich, Mstislav Rostropovich
Cello Sonata in D Minor, Op. 40: II. Moderato con motoDmitri Shostakovich, Mstislav Rostropovich
Cello Sonata in D Minor, Op. 40: III. LargoDmitri Shostakovich, Mstislav Rostropovich
Cello Sonata in D Minor, Op. 40: IV. AllegrettoDmitri Shostakovich, Mstislav Rostropovich
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 10 in C-Sharp Minor (Arr. for Violin and Piano by Dmitry Tzyganov)Dmitri Shostakovich, Dmitry Tzyganov
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 16 in B-Flat Minor (Arr. for Violin and Piano by Dmitry Tzyganov)Dmitri Shostakovich, Dmitry Tzyganov
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 15 in D-Flat Major (Arr. for Violin and Piano by Dmitry Tzyganov)Dmitri Shostakovich, Dmitry Tzyganov
Preludes, Op. 34: No. 24 in D Minor (Arr. for Violin and Piano by Dmitry Tzyganov)Dmitri Shostakovich, Dmitry Tzyganov
Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87: No. 5 in D MajorDmitri Shostakovich
Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87: No. 23 in F MajorDmitri Shostakovich
Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87: No. 3 in G MajorDmitri Shostakovich
Dmitri Shostakovich, born in St. Petersburg in 1906, was a towering figure in 20th-century classical music, renowned for his profound and emotionally charged compositions. His musical journey began at the prestigious St. Petersburg Conservatory, where he honed his skills as a composer and pianist in the wake of the Russian Revolutions. Shostakovich's international breakthrough came with the premiere of his First Symphony in 1926, establishing him as a major composer.
His music is celebrated for its rapid shifts in emotional intensity and its semantic depth, often laced with irony and subtle political commentary. Navigating the complex political landscape of the Soviet era, Shostakovich's works are a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Despite the pressures of his time, he created some of the most vital and original music of the 20th century, leaving an indelible mark on the world of classical and chamber music. His legacy endures, inspiring generations with his profound and evocative compositions.
Vinylscout
Dmitri Shostakovich
