Wednesday 24 June 2009

The twentieth century -- particularly the first half -- saw many important and interesting composers of music. In several decades time, when all begins to fall into perspective, I suspect that the major figure of the century will prove to be Dimitri Shostakovich. For a start, his music is completely distinctive and can never be confused for one moment with the music of Bartok, Prokofiev, Rachmaninov, Sibelius, Britten ... or anyone else. This evening I listened with very great enjoyment to Shostakovich's G minor piano quintet, played (extremely well) by the "Amsterdam Chamber Music Society" in an excellent 6-CD box I picked up very cheaply. Fine music, beautifully played.
A task for the next few years is to get to know and digest the 15 string quartets of Shostakovich, and the complete major operas of Wagner. A major challenge.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

If you like that piece, you should listen to the historical recording by Shosta. at the piano and the great Beethoven SQ.

Harry Collier said...

Yes, I know and have the recording by Shostakovich and the Beethoven Quartet. Historically fascinating, and Shostakovich's piano playing is completely authoritative. The 1949 (Russian) sound is pretty scrawny and tinny, however, and I really enjoyed the Amsterdam players this time round. The music has some delicate fabrics that benefit from fine recording.