Olli Mustonen's "Bach and Shostakovich: Preludes And Fugues" is a captivating journey through the intricate worlds of two musical titans. Released in 1990 on RCA Red Seal, this double album showcases Mustonen's virtuosity and deep understanding of both composers' styles. The album features a unique program of 12 preludes and fugues from Johann Sebastian Bach's "The Well-Tempered Clavier" and 12 from Dmitri Shostakovich's Op. 87, all sequenced in a distinctive order devised by Mustonen himself.
Mustonen's interpretation brings a fresh perspective to these timeless works, highlighting the structural and thematic connections between Bach's Baroque masterpieces and Shostakovich's 20th-century compositions. The album spans a diverse range of keys and moods, from the serene and contemplative to the intense and dramatic. Each piece is performed with precision and passion, showcasing Mustonen's exceptional technical skill and musical insight.
The recording, made in Finland, captures the rich tonal qualities of the piano and the subtleties of Mustonen's playing. The album's duration of 1 hour and 51 minutes offers a substantial and immersive listening experience, perfect for those seeking to explore the depths of these iconic compositions.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Bach and Shostakovich: Preludes And Fugues" is a compelling addition to any music collection. Mustonen's artistry shines through in every note, making this album a testament to the enduring power and beauty of these musical masterpieces.
(P) 1998 BMG Entertaiment/(P) 1998 BMG Entertainment
Tracks
Prelude No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 20 in C Minor, Op. 87, No. 20Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 20 in C Minor, Op. 87, No. 20Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 15 in D-Flat Major, Op, 87, No. 15Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 15 in D-Flat Major, Op. 87, No. 15Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 10 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 87, No. 10Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 10 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 87, No. 10Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 5 in D Major, BWV 850Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 5 in D Major, BWV 850Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 851Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 6 in D Minor, BWV 851Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 7 in E-Flat Major, BWV 852Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 7 in E-Flat Major, BWV 852Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 14 in E-Flat Minor, Op. 87, No. 14Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 14 in E-Flat Minor, Op. 87, No. 14Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 9 in E Major, Op, 87, No. 9Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 9 in E Major, Op. 87, No. 9Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 87, No. 4Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 87, No. 4Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 11 in F Major, BWV 856Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 11 in F Major, BWV 856Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 12 in F Minor, BWV 857Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 12 in F Minor, BWV 857Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 13 in F-Sharp Major, BWV 858Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 13 in F-Sharp Major, BWV 858Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 8 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 87, No. 8Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 8 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 87, No. 8Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 3 in G Major, Op. 87, No. 3Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 3 in G Major, Op. 87, No. 3Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 22 in G Minor, Op. 87, No. 22Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 22 in G Minor, Op. 87, No. 22Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 17 in A-Flat Major, BWV 862Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 17 in A-Flat Major, BWV 862Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 18 in G-Sharp Minor, BWV 863Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 18 in G-Sharp Minor, BWV 863Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 19 in A Major, BWV 864Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 19 in A Major, BWV 864Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 87, No. 2Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 87, No. 2Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 21 in B-Flat Major, Op. 87, No. 21Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 21 in B-Flat Major, Op. 87, No. 21Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 16 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 87, No. 16Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 16 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 87, No. 16Dmitri Shostakovich, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 23 in B Major, BWV 868Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 23 in B Major, BWV 868Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Prelude No. 24 in B Minor, BWV 869Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
Fugue No. 24 in B Minor, BWV 869Johann Sebastian Bach, Olli Mustonen
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