Shostakovich greatly admired Bach's polyphonic writing, particularly 'The Forty-Eight Preludes and Fugues,' which influenced his own set of Preludes and Fugues.
Performer Biography
Peter Donohoe, the pianist on this recording, is acclaimed for his musicianship, stylistic versatility, and commanding technique, and has performed with major orchestras worldwide.
Performer Biography
Peter Donohoe has served as a jury member for several prestigious international piano competitions, including the International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow.
Composer Biography
Dmitri Shostakovich, the composer, is considered one of the most enigmatic figures in music history, with his music often reflecting contradictions, pain, and nostalgia.
Composition History
Shostakovich was inspired to write these 24 Preludes and Fugues after hearing Tatiana Nicolayeva, a pianist, perform Bach at the 1951 Leipzig Bach Competition.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in Wyastone Concert Hall, Monmouth, UK, from February 16-19, 2014.
Composition History
Shostakovich composed all twenty-four Preludes and Fugues in just a few months, writing them in the order they appear in the final published version.
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