Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Dmitri Shostakovich: Complete Chronological Catalogue

"Why is Dmitri Shostakovich the worst composer of the XXth century? Because he is the worst imitator of the twentieth century, imitator of Prokofiev and of Mahler and of Satie and of whoever else's scores he'd lay his paws on; and because his imitations are of poor quality, coarse, vulgar, thick, unimaginative, repetitive and narrow-minded: an artificious world he fabricated, imitated of the nineteenth century, in the image of the artificious society constructed by the Bolshevists."

"You have successfully described John Williams!!!" - Best DSCH joke.


"I think that it is clear to everyone what happens in the Fifth. The rejoicing is forced, created under threat, as in [Mussorgsky's] Boris Godunov. It's as if someone were beating you with a stick and saying, 'Your business is rejoicing, your business is rejoicing,' and you rise, shaky, and go marching off, muttering, 'Our business is rejoicing, our business is rejoicing.' What kind of apotheosis is that? You have to be a complete oaf not to hear that." - Testimony

This playlists collects Shostakovich's Op. 1-147, sorted by number, as well as important works without opus number, inserted to their approximate chronological positions. The latter includes: Jazz Suite No. 1, Suite for Variety Orchestra, Anti-Formalist Rayok, and some early pieces for piano and string quartet. All chamber symphonies arranged from the string quartets are also included.

Under the premise of only using recordings that are available on both Spotify UK and USA, my choices were limited, nevertheless I managed to sort out a list of great Shostakovich recordings: Haitink's 4th on CSO Resound, Bernstein's 5th with NYPO (helter-skelter tempo), Previn's 8th with LSO, Rostropovich's 14th with his wife Galina Vishnevskaya as the soprano, and Ormandy's 15th with The Philadelphia Orchestra. For the string quartets (press Ctrl/CMD+F and input string quartet to browse), I put in more than 10 different ensembles, including Beethoven Quartet who premiered most of these quartets. Vengerov's recording of Violin Concerto No.1 is not on Spotify USA, so I "settled" for David Oistrakh.

Here's the Spotify playlist: Dmitri Shostakovich: Complete Chronological Catalogue (873 tracks, total time: 2 days) Press Ctrl (CMD)+G to browse in album view. See list of works here. For beginners, check out this Naxos compilation first: Shostakovich - A Portrait. In the Composer As Pianist playlist you can find more recording of this "honorable mention" winner at the 1st Chopin Competition.

By the way: 1, the French composers series is not over, I just feel like taking a break. 2, New Google+ page for this blog.


17 comments:

  1. I totally disagree, both about DSCH and about John Williams. I prefer 1 minute of John Williams' music rather than the whole works of some so-called "avant-garde" composers of the 20th century.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are an idiot. Please die.
      The reason you prefer John Williams to Shostakovich is because you an uncultured dimwit.
      Shostakovich was capable of taking a musical idea and creating something interesting, whether a string quartet, symphony or concerto. The music never stops moving and it never loses interest. John Williams, on the other hand, though also capable of creating gorgeous and memorable themes, takes his one musical idea and does nothing with it other than modulating to a new, or minor key. He never incorporates other ideas and is lucky that the movie can distract from the monotony of his mediocre orchestration and poor use of the theme.
      Movie music is the ‘pop’ of Classical Music. It’s usually beautiful and catchy, but actually also quite boring.
      Shostakovich is world renowned and certainly stands on the same pedestal as Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky (the list goes on).
      He has an instantly recognisable sound of his own and his music is full of depth and meaning. Show some respect.
      Dumbass.

      Delete
  2. I think there's nothing wrong with imitating, or repackaging other composers' musical language, that's what most classical composers and all pop musicians do. But personally I can't take John Williams, he ruined Indiana Jones for me, next time I will try to watch it with a Stockhausen soundtrack...

    Avant-garde music, by definition, is not for mass distribution, thus should not to be compared with Star Wars.

    ReplyDelete
  3. how could anyone go by 'Testimony' written by a person who talked with Shostakovich only once or twice in his life?!

    ReplyDelete
  4. How Much Are Coach Bags At The Outlet, In other words, these economy class changes might look similar, but they are not the same. One reinforces the traditional concept of coach class that no matter where you sit on a plane, you can expect a minimum level of service and amenities. The other reduces the air travel experience to a use it or lose it ticket, critics say..

    As a junior, the 6 7 Aussie wing snagged 24 percent of available defensive boards, posted a lofty 63.5 true shooting percentage and took home league POY honors. "Ryan is a tremendous kid," Drew says. "He finds ways to impact the game.". (Michael Kors Chelsea Bag Black)

    Hundreds of classic t mobile sda ringtones mobile games and temperament. In 1998. My make nextel ringtone sounds, email address will include lil wayne gets laughs! All us and start to the indiana jones and get the indiana jones series 60v3 themes add ringtones to section! Today! Flycell page, make own ringtone chosen at every move that bike. (Michael Kors Hand Bag Black)

    Coach White Butterfly Purse, The volunteer leaders determined the budget and the activities that we will participate in. Two different groups have visited the Summit sight. The most significant, was a shakedown crew that visited last summer and included our Assistant Travis Tate.

    The WNBA the playoffs are going on right now has the same rules as the NBA. Open locker rooms at designated times. In the NCAA tournament, the same rules govern both men and women's locker rooms they're both open at specific times. (Michael Kors Black Purse With Gold Studs)

    It may not be apparent on the surface but when you go through that process repeatedly you tend to acquire an ability to write copious amounts of material very quickly without thinking about it much. In fact, I have learned that the best way to write is at the beginning of the process to not think too much about what you are writing. If you can just get your thoughts on the screen then your own derived relational responding will take over in response to your own words and you will tend to generate ideas that you would otherwise never come up with. (Michael Kors Black Soft Leather Purse)

    ReplyDelete
  5. It could be because Donovan's songs occupy a particular place in the highlight reel of the '60s, embodying idealism that's now mostly gone from the pop conversation. Both through the vaguely mystical lyrics and the irrepressible melodies, his works exude indefatigable optimism. They radiate possibility, innocence and openness all the flower child notions associated with '60s psychedelia.

    "I think the good with the situation is that he now has a platform. And I Coach Outlet Online think Coach Outlet Clearance Sale coming out, he will be able to use that platform to Nike Air Force 1 Cheap Outlet really Coach Outlet Clearance Sale shine a light on MK Outlet Store how corrupt this system is and hopefully also keep this younger generation from going through Michael Kors Bags Outlet this. And also, a lot of people that are incarcerated Michael Kors Outlet Online now that are doing unnecessary time.".

    (D., Mich) says the NIDA surveys showed only that Bush's drug war is benefiting the educated and the middle class not poor, undereducated minorities in the inner cities. Assistant Health Secretary James O. Mason conceded that "there continues to be Coach Purses On Clearance concern that certain high risk populations may be missed" by the surveys, which he said are regularly redesigned..

    ReplyDelete
  6. I dont even understand how i stopped up here . But i thought this submit is used to be good i dont realise who you are but you are going to be a well known blogger. Thanks for sharing.If you facing any sexual issue terectile dysfunction treatment

    ReplyDelete
  7. Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I’ve truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. If you facing any sexual issue You can contactwet dreams

    ReplyDelete