Dmitri Shostakovich
Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich (25 September 1906 – 9 August 1975) was a Soviet Russian composer and one of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century.
Shostakovich achieved fame in the Soviet Union under the patronage of Leon Trotsky's chief of staff Mikhail Tukhachevsky, but later had a complex and difficult relationship with the government. Nevertheless, he also received accolades and state awards and served in the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR (1947–1962) and the USSR (from 1962 until death).
After a period influenced by Sergei Prokofiev and Igor Stravinsky, Shostakovich developed a hybrid style, as exemplified by Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District (1934). This single work juxtaposed a wide variety of trends, including the neo-classical style (showing the influence of Stravinsky) and post-Romanticism (after Gustav Mahler). Sharp contrasts and elements of the grotesque characterise much of his music.
Shostakovich's orchestral works include 15 symphonies and six concerti. His symphonic work is typically complex and requires large scale orchestras. Music for chamber ensembles includes 15 string quartets, a piano quintet, two pieces for a string octet, and two piano trios. For the piano he composed two solo sonatas, an early set of preludes, and a later set of 24 preludes and fugues. Other works include two operas, and a substantial quantity of film music.
Compositions by Dmitri Shostakovich appear on
Dances and Delights
Featuring premiere recordings of Australian and American works for the modern flute ensemble, this album is filled with sounds of spirit and serenity. Take a journey from waltzes and fancy two-steps to beautiful arrangements of the most memorable tunes ever written.
Composer
Music for Trumpet and the King Of Instruments
In the world of classical music, one of the most special and enduring combinations of instruments is that of the trumpet and the pipe organ. This combination, dating back over a millenia, has produced a tradition of heroic and majestic music making.
Composer
Timeless
The title “Timeless” reflects Tamara Smolyar's desire to offer a personal interpretation of these classic pieces and creates something for her family and others to enjoy. Moreover, the title echoes the beauty of music’s ability to travel across generations and cultures to reach new audiences. Hopefully, you can be inspired by these compositions as well.
Composer
Preludes and Sonata of Messiaen and Shostakovich
Michael Kieran Harvey, piano. Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992) and Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) were two of the greatest composers of the twentieth century. Both were remarkable in that they discovered their own unique and distinctive creative voice when they were in their teens.
Composer
Wordless Meanings
In the beginning, there was harmony - before anyone thought to ask the question "What sort of music do you play?" ... before everyone became too busy to stop and listen anyway ... before music became 'the music industry' ... harmony was lost in a cacophony of meaningless words.
Composer
20th Century Piano Trios
This CD by highly acclaimed Trio Melbourne features a stunning collection of 20th Century piano trios, including two never-before recorded pieces by Australian composers Sculthorpe and Yu.
Composer
Tchaikovsky Concerto / Shostakovich Song of the Forest
The New Monash Orchestra, under the direction of Andre de Quadros, joins pianist Yuri Rozum, the Monash Women's Choir and VIVE VOCE in an exciting all-Russian program featuring Tchaikovsky's first piano concerto and the rarely heard Song of the Forests by Shostakovich - his first major work for choir and orchestra.
