BaL 30.03.19 - Shostakovich: Piano Quintet in G minor Op. 57

[Bryn]

See #1 and #3: presumably it didn't get a mention because, unbelievably, it is NLA

See also #16. It is available as a download. It's exclusion from consideration is unconscionable.

[LeMartinPecheur]

I've been reading the new(er) edition of Elizabeth Wilson's Shostakovich - A Life Remembered and have noted a few things about DSCH's instincts as a pianist and in relation to others' performances of his works. He seems to have been a cool, objective player of his own works, with no liking for rubato and unmarked tempo-changes, even though he seems to have been quite happy for performers to depart from his metronome marks, often claiming these were unreliable because he was sentimentally attached to an old metronome that probably wasn't accurate. (I'd guess this was flannel because it's difficult to imagine the ultra-precise composer, with his famous obsession with punctuality in appointments, putting up with such inaccuracy!). But the attitude to rubato and unmarked tempo-changes suggests that he's have been with Ivan Hewitt in giving the heave-ho to the Hamelin/ Takacs performance!

There is one striking quote about the Quintet though (p.355). Yakov Milkis said, "It is rare that a composer uses the upper register of the piano like a xylophone, making a sharp, percussive sound. This is how he played the Scherzo from the Piano Quintet, for instance. I still have the particular sound of his sarcastic, dry staccato in my ears today. it completely suited the style of his music."

Think I'll have a little listen to that movement in my three recordings, (Y)Edlina, Richter and Stott, with this in mind!

[gurnemanz]

I have Elisabeth Leonskaja and the Borodin Quartet, 1996, which influenced me to suggest the work for our local Music Society around that time. Though I don't see it listed for consideration it was received with wonderment by our audience.

Only the brand new Leonskaja with the Artemis Quartet is listed above by Alpie. Its release date is given as 15 Mar 19, so it may have arrived too late to be included in the BaL. I don't think it was mentioned. I have huge respect for her and have just listened with great pleasure to it on Spoty and it seems to me it might have been a contender.

[BBMmk2]

I've always thought the opening directly reminiscent of DSCH's 24 in style - hence of course the link back to JSB

I should’ve realised right away!

[Nick Armstrong]

I should’ve realised right away!

Just occurred to me that calling the first two movements 'Prelude and Fugue' was a bit of a give-away by DCSH!

[BBMmk2]

Just occurred to me that calling the first two movements 'Prelude and Fugue' was a bit of a give-away by DCSH!

Oh my goodness! A big DOH(!) on my part!