Shostakovich: Piano Concertos 1 & 2

Deutsche Kammerakademie Neuss;
Skou Larsen, Lavard;
Igoshina, Valentina

CPO 777750

As Dmitri Szostakowicz told Solomon Volkov, he already quite early »loved« Shakespeare's drama Hamlet. He repeatedly turned to this complex dramatization of a fifth-century subject featuring the Danish Prince Hamlet and wrapped in gloom and legend. His first such effort was an incidental composition for a performance in 1932 that ended up being prohibited by the censorship authorities. Stalin had expressed his displeasure with this material without having an official decree promulgated against it – and no wonder, since it involves a tragedy on the theme of murderous abuse of power and tyranncide! Our premiere recording presents the original version of this rousing suite. The second sensation on this CD is formed by the young Valentina Igoshina's recording of Shostakovich's two piano concertos. Breathtakingly, with crystalline clarity and compelling musical intuition, she whirls like a dervish through these stupendously difficult piano parts. An enthralling and fresh performance of these two favorites – and we guarantee that you've never heard them like this before!

CD

Muzyka klasyczna

CPO

26-04-2012

761203775026