Dmitri's Dacha

[ChamberNut]

The Naxos coupling of those two is a successful recording. The Shostakovich in particular is a fine performance in clear sound.

Dog thanks cat for recommendation! 

[karlhenning]

Anyone in the Boston area going to see Opera Boston's production of The Nose? . . .

Happily, Bruce, it turns out that I shall, tomorrow.

[ChamberNut]

Just checked this DVD out from the library (even though I may not have time to watch it in the next few days):

Shostakovich - Sonata for Viola

A film by Semyon Aranovich and Alexander Sokurov

Has anyone seen this? 

[karlhenning]

[ cross-post ]

Behold The Nose, itself

[vandermolen]

A friend recommended a new Naxos release of 'The Girlfriends' (film score) etc by Shostakovich, which I listened to today.  I strongly recommend it - it is a most quirky but engaging score alternating between string quartet, orchestra, chorus and featuring a mad theremin passage (like something out of the score for the film Ed Wood). It is like nothing else I have heard by Shostakovich but it works and the sad end is moving - if you like Shostakovich and fancy something a bit different you should enjoy this CD. It also features an equally strange theatre score for 'Rule, Britannia!' (never published as the play's author was executed in the purges). However, of enormous interest is the original opening seven minutes of Shostakovich's 9th Symphony, which is nothing like the actual 9th Symphony and more in keeping with the spirit of the Leningrad Symphony and Symphony No 8 - it has a great sense of urgency and I immediately wanted to hear it again (it is called 'Symphonic Movement' - 1945 unfinished).  Part of me wishes that Shostakovich had continued with this work:

[karlhenning]

Hmm . . . most interesting, Jeffrey!  The bits of (for instance) Moskva-Cheryomushki which are an extra on a DVD are charming, interesting, though I don't think I need it in the home library.  I do really like the Odna score for what it is.

[vandermolen]

Hmm . . . most interesting, Jeffrey!  The bits of (for instance) Moskva-Cheryomushki which are an extra on a DVD are charming, interesting, though I don't think I need it in the home library.  I do really like the Odna score for what it is.

Hi Karl, I must look out for 'Odna' score although I have the Hamlet Naxos CD. I did enjoy this one (picture now above).

[karlhenning]

Oh, that's a Naxos disc I should snaffle.

[bhodges]

A friend recommended a new Naxos release of 'The Girlfriends' (film score) etc by Shostakovich, which I listened to today.  I strongly recommend it - it is a most quirky but engaging score alternating between string quartet, orchestra, chorus and featuring a mad theremin passage (like something out of the score for the film Ed Wood). It is like nothing else I have heard by Shostakovich but it works and the sad end is moving - if you like Shostakovich and fancy something a bit different you should enjoy this CD. It also features an equally strange theatre score for 'Rule, Britannia!' (never published as the play's author was executed in the purges). However, of enormous interest is the original opening seven minutes of Shostakovich's 9th Symphony, which is nothing like the actual 9th Symphony and more in keeping with the spirit of the Leningrad Symphony and Symphony No 8 - it has a great sense of urgency and I immediately wanted to hear it again (it is called 'Symphonic Movement' - 1945 unfinished).  Part of me wishes that Shostakovich had continued with this work:

What an intriguing recording!  Thanks so much for the comments and I will probably see if I can find it over the weekend. 

--Bruce

[snyprrr]

Shostakovich is the Led Zeppelin of classical music.

[vandermolen]

What an intriguing recording!  Thanks so much for the comments and I will probably see if I can find it over the weekend. 

--Bruce

Bruce,

I'll be curious to know what you make of it! (and Karl too if you 'snaffle' a copy  )

Jefffrey

[Herman]

Shostakovich is the Led Zeppelin of classical music.

meaning?

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Shostakovich is the Led Zeppelin of classical music.

It's the other way around. Shostakovich came first. So Led Zepplin is the Shostakovich of pop music.

[karlhenning]

I can't quit Mitya, babe . . . .

[karlhenning]

but I did notice the trumpet motif from the first movt of the 7th (the "Star Trek" fanfare), plus the reoccurring chord modulating from major to minor, from the 6th

Well, you remind me that I need yet to listen to the Mahler Seventh (and it was commended to me by a friend, now passed away, rest his soul, who admired both composers).

[karlhenning]

I have a co-worker who loves music, generally likes classical music, but somehow, he thinks he hates Shostakovich.

Of course, that may simply be The Case.  But if you had to select one piece to wean him away from distaste for Shostakovich: Which would it be?

[not edward]

I have a co-worker who loves music, generally likes classical music, but somehow, he thinks he hates Shostakovich.

Of course, that may simply be The Case.  But if you had to select one piece to wean him away from distaste for Shostakovich: Which would it be?

Either the first violin concerto or the second piano concerto, depending on his taste in music, I think.

[ChamberNut]

I have a co-worker who loves music, generally likes classical music, but somehow, he thinks he hates Shostakovich.

Of course, that may simply be The Case.  But if you had to select one piece to wean him away from distaste for Shostakovich: Which would it be?

Jazz Suite No. 2  or the Piano Quintet

[Dancing Divertimentian]

I have a co-worker who loves music, generally likes classical music, but somehow, he thinks he hates Shostakovich.

Of course, that may simply be The Case.  But if you had to select one piece to wean him away from distaste for Shostakovich: Which would it be?

The fifth symphony and the eighth string quartet seem to be among Shostakovich's more popular pieces, although I can see just about anybody being engaged by the more obscure Op.67 piano trio, especially with that haunting opening (which, btw, my wife - no classical connoisseur - just loves).

[Herman]

The best way to awaken someone to DSCH is take him or her to a concert. There's always some sort of drama in DSCH's music, which isn't helped by thecomforts of a cd-player &c.