Shostakovich, at age seventeen in 1923, accompanied silent films in cinemas to earn money for his family while simultaneously composing his First Symphony.
Composition History
Shostakovich's 24 Preludes, Op. 34, were composed in sequence from December 30 to March 2, forming a cycle through all twelve major and minor keys.
Compositional Technique
The Piano Sonata No. 1 by Shostakovich features serial tendencies within a tonal framework, including an eleven-note row with a 'missing' note and repeated notes that control the musical logic.
Cultural Impact
Shostakovich was also a well-known composer of popular music; for example, the song Yuri Gagarin sang in space was by him, and his Nocturne from The Gadfly became a pop hit in the UK.
Performer Biography
Andrey Gugnin, the pianist on this album, won first prize in the Sydney International Piano Competition in 2016 and has recorded Shostakovich piano concertos for the soundtrack of Steven Spielberg's Oscar-winning film Bridge of Spies.
Composition History
Shostakovich's Piano Sonata No. 1 was originally titled 'October' Symphony, Op. 12, reflecting a shared impetus with his Symphony No. 2, also known as the 'October' Symphony.
Composer Biography
Dmitri Shostakovich's mother, a piano teacher, encouraged his natural musicianship, leading him to excel at the piano and awaken his desire to compose.
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