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 frail, fragile, withdrawn, an infinitely direct, pure child...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)"
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).
Hey DSCH, Thanks for the inspiration. I love your music wholeheartedly. As far as I'm concerned, you represent the apex of intellectualism in classical music.
Bei den Erdbeben, die kommen werden, werde ich hoffentlich Meine Virginia nicht ausgehen lassen durch Bitterkeit, Ich, Bertolt Brecht, in die Asphaltstädte verschlagen Aus den schwarzen Wäldern in meiner Mutter in früher Zeit.
In the earthquakes to come it is to be hoped I shan't allow bitterness to quench my cigar's glow, I, Bertolt Brecht, astray in cement cities, Brought from the black forests in my mother long ago.
Danke für die Freundschaft! Thanks for the friendship!
Hey, it has been a long time since I saw you last.
I uploaded a new track, the master take of "Alexander". I changed plays of the base & a piano solo. The letter is the section of my favorite(BPM is about 174).
WE WISH YOU HAPPY HOLIDAYS, OUR DEAR FRIENDS! PLEASE,SEE THIS RECENT LO FI VIDEO
1. Sun makes your soul warmed up Your ears are getting tanned At a picnic with your friends Sushi, chips and grill Apples, pears and dill Gin and tonic in your hands But the sun has no care That your soul goes down there But the sun has no care That you're going down 2. In river you have bathed And have played some cards You sit down and play guitar Singing "Vida loca" Having had much vodka Cannot realize so far That the river has no care That your soul goes down there But the river has no care That you're going down 3. Wind is having fun Faces go far Dissolving in the darkness Absent swirls in your head And your friend's girlfriend Is lying naked in your hands But the wind has no care That your soul goes down there But the wind has no care That you are going down 4. Another day begins You're getting up with grins But in the fridge there's milk that's old Your head feels like a brick Looking like a freak And hating the entire world But the world has no care Everyone is crazy there But the world has no care Everyone is crazy
