|
Register | Blogging | Search | Today's Posts | Mark Forums Read |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
12-22-2009, 04:02 AM | #1 (permalink) |
Groupie
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 1
|
Shostakovich
Shostakovich: a Russian, soviet-era composer who wrote one of my favorite pieces.
For me, Piano Concerto #1 in C minor is the best. I like the stark contrast between the very haunting/sad parts and the sections which are joyous or carefree. Anyone else like Shostakovich (or perhaps a different Russian composer..?) ? As an aside, I find this quote from him (as he was nearing the end of his life) interesting: "Target achieved so far: 75% (right leg broken, left leg broken, right hand defective). All I need to do now is wreck the left hand and then 100% of my extremities will be out of order."
__________________
"The Real World is just a special case of the theoretical" |
02-12-2010, 01:18 PM | #4 (permalink) |
Music Addict
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Echo Parks Department
Posts: 53
|
saw something of his performed by a seemingly unusually large orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl. quite enjoyed it to my surprise. (free tix, pleasant night in the high seats, don't have to expect much from the entertainment) ... the orchestra was either too big and powerful for the sound system and there were phasing issues, or else Shostakovich composed in stereo ... either way I liked the results
__________________
Backatcha, Pod People!! |
04-26-2010, 09:16 PM | #9 (permalink) | |
Groupie
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Chicago
Posts: 2
|
Quote:
Either way, IMO his best is String Quartet No. 8. Unparalleled in despair but also in beauty.. a piece of music that I'm truly amazed by every time I listen to it. |
|
09-28-2010, 05:28 AM | #10 (permalink) |
Groupie
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 16
|
As great as so many "Shosty" symphonies are (5, 7, 8, and so on) there is quite simply nothing to compare with his daring and monumental Symphony No.4.
He withdrew it on the eve of its planned premiere (1936), and shrewdly so, as it was so wild and anti-Soviet he may have ended up in the Siberian labour camps, having already been severely criticized in Pravda for a recent opera. It waited a quarter of a century for its first performance, which happened in late 1961. The climax of the symphony is quite simply devastating. Several performances on YouTube. folks. Last edited by davey75; 09-28-2010 at 05:29 AM. Reason: Emphasise certai words !!!! |