Max Derrickson

Dmitry Shostakovich (1906-1975)

Concerto No. 1 for Cello and Orchestra in E-flat Op. 107
1. Allegretto
2. Moderato
3. Cadenza
4. Allegro con Moto

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Dmitry Shostakovich (1906-1975) on the other hand was the Soviet prodigy, and was often used as a political tool and icon as the first composer trained in the Soviet system.  His first symphony, written at aged 19, was an international success.  Through a good portion first half of the 20th Century, Shostakovich enjoyed a Soviet patronage more or less unparalleled.

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The Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat was premiered in 1959. It was written for, and performed by, the famous cellist Mistaslav Rostropovich.  It is the dramatic Shostakovich that we hear in the first movement, given to incessant, even savage rhythmical drive.  The second movement opens up the vastness of Shostakovich’s musical language; tender, far gazing, deeply pained and unsatisfied, a musical language only Shostakovich could create.  The second movement bleeds into a
[. . .]  And then with the finale comes another hallmark Shostakovich energetic basting.