Sofia Gubaidulina's Chaconne was composed during her studies in Moscow in 1963, a period when Dmitri Shostakovich supported her against accusations of writing 'irresponsible' music.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The composers on this album, all Russian, express their common heritage and their human response to an uncertain political world within classical forms.
Album & Artwork
The album title 'Neo' refers to the use of classical forms in 20th-century music ('Neo-classicism') and also points to the future.
Historical Context
Stalin's regime used the term 'social realism' to dictate that music should convey a sense of community, not be incomprehensible or subjective, creating inner conflict for some composers.
Composer Biography
Dmitri Shostakovich, a renowned figure in the Soviet Union, lived in fear of being labeled 'formalist' but succeeded in writing in his personal style even while working for the government.
Historical Context
The trend towards neo-classical forms in Europe and Russia after the Romantic period arose from a desire for clarity and stability.
You might also enjoy...
Osetinskaya Plays Rachmaninoff & Prokofiev
Prokofiev: The Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1
Sviatoslav Richter Live at Carnegie Hall: All Prokofiev Program (October 23, 1960)
Scandale
Rachmaninoff: Moments Musicaux, Preludes, Etudes Tableaux by Vladimir Sofronitsky
