Shostakovich: Trios 1 & 2; Viola Sonata

Dive into the profound and evocative world of Dmitri Shostakovich with this captivating 2016 release from Decca Music Group. This album features two of Shostakovich's most celebrated piano trios and his poignant Sonata for Viola and Piano, Op. 147, offering a comprehensive journey through the composer's artistic evolution.

The album opens with the Piano Trio No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 8, a work that showcases Shostakovich's early compositional style, followed by the Piano Trio No. 2, Op. 67, which reflects his mature mastery of the form. The Sonata for Viola and Piano, Op. 147, completes the collection, providing a deeply personal and introspective conclusion to the composer's oeuvre.

Performances are led by the renowned pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy, who brings a unique perspective to these works, having had the privilege of performing privately for Shostakovich himself. Ashkenazy is joined by an ensemble of exceptional musicians: violinist Zsolt-Tihamér Visontay, cellist Mats Lidström, and violist Ada Meinich. Their collective artistry breathes new life into these timeless pieces, capturing the essence of Shostakovich's genius.

Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, this album is a testament to Shostakovich's enduring legacy in the realm of classical and chamber music. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to Shostakovich's music, this recording promises an enriching and immersive experience.

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.