Shosta!

by Peter Burwasser

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Published: Oct 4, 2006

The Shostakovich centennial is upon us in full force. It began last month with an all Shostakovich program from the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, with four works that showed off the tremendous range of style and emotional complexity the great composer was capable of. The Philadelphia Orchestra has plenty of large utterances from the symphonic and concerto repertoire of the Soviet artist, including, next week, two raucous piano concertos, both played by André Watts.

Although Shostakovich could roar like a lion in his biggest pieces, he could also, in the manner of Beethoven, turn to smaller forms and express himself in a most delicate and intimate manner. His chamber music is becoming increasingly better known in recent years, especially the monumental string quartets, and there is still much more material to explore (when will we hear more of his beautiful songs?). Chamber music is the focus of a tribute to Shostakovich at Curtis, with performances of various sonatas from faculty members Victor Danchenko, violin; Misha Amory, viola; Peter Wiley, cello; and Hugh Sung, piano. Pianists Elena Jivaeva and Anna Polonsky are guest artists, and the event is free of charge.

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