The collection A Child's Exercise Book op.69 was composed for teaching purposes for Shostakovich's daughter, Galina, with pieces arranged by increasing difficulty.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Shostakovich considered his symphonic work a priority, celebrating May 12th (the premiere of his First Symphony) as his 'artistic birthday'.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in November and December 2021 at the Auditorium 'Adele Solimene' in Palazzo Capone, Montella (AV).
Album & Artwork
The cover photo for this album features a textile design from 1924 by Varvara Stepanova.
Instruments
The piano used for this recording is a Bösendorfer 280 Concert Vienna.
Composition History
The Variations on a Theme by Glinka is a collective work by several Soviet composers, possibly created for the centenary of Glinka's death in 1857.
Compositional Technique
Self-quotation and the reuse of themes from earlier compositions are a constant and distinctive stylistic trait in Shostakovich's work.
