Shostakovich Five Pieces For Two Violins And Piano Program Notes
If you're a fan of classical music, you may have heard of Dmitry Shostakovich, one of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century. Among his many works is the Five Pieces for Two Violins and Piano, a collection of short pieces that showcase his unique style and musical genius.
History of the Five Pieces
The Five Pieces were composed by Shostakovich in 1955, during a turbulent period in Soviet history. Stalin had died two years earlier, and Nikita Khrushchev had taken over as the leader of the Soviet Union. Shostakovich had faced criticism and censorship under Stalin's regime, but under Khrushchev's rule, he was able to express himself more freely.
The Five Pieces were written for a friend of Shostakovich's, the violinist Igor Oistrakh, and Oistrakh's father David, who was also a renowned violinist. The pieces were originally intended to be part of a larger composition, but Shostakovich decided to release them as a separate work.
Structure of the Pieces
The Five Pieces are short, with a total running time of about 10 minutes. Each piece has its own distinct character, ranging from the playful and whimsical to the melancholy and introspective.
The first piece, a prelude, sets the mood for the rest of the collection. It is followed by a gavotte, a lively dance that features intricate interplay between the violins and piano. The third piece, an elegy, is the most somber of the set, with a mournful melody that lingers long after it has ended.
The fourth piece, a waltz, is perhaps the most well-known of the Five Pieces. It has been performed and recorded countless times, and is a favorite of many musicians and audiences alike. The final piece, a polka, is a joyful romp that brings the collection to a lively and satisfying conclusion.
Notable Performances
The Five Pieces have been performed by many great musicians over the years, including the Oistrakhs themselves. Other notable performers include violinists Janine Jansen, Itzhak Perlman, and Maxim Vengerov, and pianists Martha Argerich and Lang Lang.
The Five Pieces have also been recorded numerous times, with some of the most acclaimed recordings coming from the likes of the Borodin Trio, the Beaux Arts Trio, and the Nash Ensemble.
Conclusion
Shostakovich's Five Pieces for Two Violins and Piano are a testament to his unique style and ability to capture a wide range of emotions in his music. While they may not be as well-known as some of his other works, they are a beloved part of the classical music repertoire, and continue to be appreciated by musicians and audiences alike.