Anouchka Hack plays a cello by Bartolomeo Tassini, Venice 1769, as a prizewinner of the German Musical Instruments Fund.
Historical Context
For many years, the reception of Shostakovich's sonatas was influenced by the horrors of World War II and the threat faced by the composer under Stalinism.
Composer Biography
Shostakovich was already an internationally known composer at 28, having achieved a breakthrough at 19 with his First Symphony, a graduation work from the St. Petersburg Conservatory.
Recording & Production
The recording for this album took place at Jesus-Christus-Kirche Dahlem, Berlin, across multiple dates in June and November 2019.
Performer Biography
Gautier Capuçon, a renowned cellist, is known for the deep sonority of his 1701 Matteo Goffriller cello, named 'L'Ambassadeur'.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The performers, Anouchka and Katharina Hack, believe Shostakovich's music should not be considered 'contemporary war reporting' but rather appreciated for its timeless beauty.
Compositional Technique
Shostakovich's music is characterized by clear and transparent instrumental weaving, anguish-filled musical language with dissonances, chromaticism, relentless rhythms, and a rare hovering warmth.
