Shostakovich was inspired to compose his 24 Preludes and Fugues after attending Bach's bicentennial festivities in Leipzig in 1950, where he served as a jury member.
Historical Context
In 1948, Shostakovich faced persecution in the Soviet Union for "formalist" music, forcing him to compose film scores and patriotic works.
Cultural Impact
Shostakovich's Op. 87 is known in Russian musical circles as the "Third Volume of the Well Tempered Klavier," emulating Bach's famous work.
Critical Reception
Shostakovich's Op. 87 was immediately criticized for its "anti-people" and "formalist" tendencies by the Soviet regime.
Performer Biography
Boris Petrushansky, the pianist on this album, began playing piano at age five and studied with Heinrich Neuhaus and Lev Naumov at the Moscow Conservatory.
Notable Performances
The premiere of the entire cycle of 24 Preludes and Fugues was performed by Tatyana Nikolayeva, the winner of the Bach competition, in Leningrad in December 1952.
Composition History
Shostakovich composed the 24 Preludes and Fugues between October 1950 and February 1951, often writing a prelude and fugue almost every day.
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