Shostakovich's 24 Preludes and Fugues Op. 87 include hidden tributes to the composer through the use of his initials (D-S-C-H) and the sequence B-A-C-H, culminating in their superimposition in the final fugue.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Shostakovich's 24 Preludes and Fugues Op. 87, composed during a period of propaganda music, served as an intimate diary for the composer to pursue his personal artistic path.
Composition History
Shostakovich composed the 24 Preludes and Fugues Op. 87 continuously from October 1950 to February 1951, working daily and following the cycle's developmental order.
Critical Reception
The 24 Preludes and Fugues Op. 87 were initially met with negative criticism and accusations of formalism when presented to the Composers' Union.
Composition History
Shostakovich's 24 Preludes and Fugues Op. 87 were inspired by J. S. Bach's The Well-Tempered Clavier during celebrations in Leipzig for Bach's bicentenary in 1950.
Notable Performances
The 24 Preludes and Fugues Op. 87 were only approved for public performance after young pianist Tat'jana Nikolaeva re-performed the work for the commission a year after its initial rejection.
Performer Biography
Eugenio Catone, the pianist on this recording, is also a composer and conductor, and has won several international piano competitions including Hastings, Rosario Marciano, and Chopin Golden Ring.
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