Brilliant Classics

Shostakovich: Prelude & Fugue, Fantastic Dances

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Details

Composer
Dmitri Shostakovich
Artist
Giuseppe Andalora, Orchestra Sinfonica Abruzzese
Format
CD
Discs
1
Label
Brilliant Classics
Released
Apr 30, 2026
Catalog #
BRI96617
UPC
5063758966177

About

Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) composed two piano concertos that stand as strikingly different yet complementary reflections of his evolving musical and emotional world. The Piano Concerto No.1 in C minor, Op. 35 (1933), written for piano, trumpet, and string orchestra, is a work of youthful brilliance and wit. Shostakovich himself was the soloist at it's premiere, showcasing his virtuosity and sharp humor. The concerto brims with parody, irony, and stylistic playfulness-traits that would define much of his music. The first movement alternates between dramatic, driving passages and cheeky references to classical motifs. The second movement offers a surprisingly lyrical, melancholic interlude before the music veers back into high-spirited satire. The inclusion of the trumpet, often acting as a witty commentator or foil to the piano, adds to the concerto's sense of mischievous dialogue. Beneath the humor, however, lies an undercurrent of anxiety and intensity, reflecting Shostakovich's growing awareness of the political pressures surrounding Soviet artists in the 1930s. The Piano Concerto No.2 in F major, Op. 102 (1957), by contrast, is lighter, more transparent, and more optimistic. Written as a gift for his son Maxim's 19th birthday, it is among Shostakovich's most accessible works. The outer movements sparkle with energy and joy, evoking the vitality of youth, while the slow movement stands as one of the composer's most beautiful lyrical statements-a tender, introspective melody that has become a concert favorite. Although less satirical and complex than the First Concerto, the Second demonstrates Shostakovich's mastery of clear form, elegant orchestration, and emotional directness. Giuseppe Andaloro (Palermo, 1982) is one of the most acclaimed Italian pianists of his generation. Winner of prestigious international competitions-including the Ferruccio Busoni (Bolzano), London World, Sendai, Hong Kong, and Porto-he was awarded the Medal for Artistic Merit by the Italian Ministry of Culture in 2005. He has performed in some of the world's leading venues: Teatro alla Scala and Sala Verdi in Milan, Teatro San Carlo in Naples, Mozarteum in Salzburg, Konzerthaus Berlin, Salle Gaveau in Paris, Royal Festival Hall in London, Sumida Triphony Hall in Tokyo, Esplanade in Singapore, and Concert Hall in Hong Kong. He has appeared at renowned festivals such as the Salzburg Festival, Ruhr Piano Festival, Spoleto Festival dei Due Mondi, George Enescu Festival, Ravello Festival, and Beirut Al Bustan. As soloist, he has collaborated with orchestras such as the London Philharmonic, NHK Symphony (Tokyo), Philharmonische Camerata Berlin, Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, and Hong Kong Philharmonic, under the direction of conductors like Vladimir Ashkenazy, Gianandrea Noseda, and Andrew Parrott.

Tracklist 12 tracks

  1. 1 I. Allegretto 06:13
    Track
    1
    Title
    I. Allegretto
    Duration
    06:13
    Composer
    Dmitri Shostakovich
    Performer
    Giuseppe Andaloro
    Ensemble
    Abruzzese Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Filippo Arlia
  2. 2 II. Lento 08:26
    Track
    2
    Title
    II. Lento
    Duration
    08:26
    Composer
    Dmitri Shostakovich
    Performer
    Giuseppe Andaloro
    Ensemble
    Abruzzese Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Filippo Arlia
  3. 3 III. Moderato - 01:37
    Track
    3
    Title
    III. Moderato -
    Duration
    01:37
    Composer
    Dmitri Shostakovich
    Performer
    Giuseppe Andaloro
    Ensemble
    Abruzzese Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Filippo Arlia
  4. 4 IV. Allegro con brio 06:51
    Track
    4
    Title
    IV. Allegro con brio
    Duration
    06:51
    Composer
    Dmitri Shostakovich
    Performer
    Giuseppe Andaloro
    Ensemble
    Abruzzese Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Filippo Arlia
  5. 5 I. Allegro 07:36
    Track
    5
    Title
    I. Allegro
    Duration
    07:36
    Composer
    Dmitri Shostakovich
    Performer
    Giuseppe Andaloro
    Ensemble
    Abruzzese Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Filippo Arlia
  6. 6 II. Andante 07:35
    Track
    6
    Title
    II. Andante
    Duration
    07:35
    Composer
    Dmitri Shostakovich
    Performer
    Giuseppe Andaloro
    Ensemble
    Abruzzese Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Filippo Arlia
  7. 7 III. Allegro 05:25
    Track
    7
    Title
    III. Allegro
    Duration
    05:25
    Composer
    Dmitri Shostakovich
    Performer
    Giuseppe Andaloro
    Ensemble
    Abruzzese Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Filippo Arlia
  8. 8 No. 1. March 01:16
    Track
    8
    Title
    No. 1. March
    Duration
    01:16
    Composer
    Dmitri Shostakovich
    Performer
    Giuseppe Andaloro
  9. 9 No. 2. Waltz 01:29
    Track
    9
    Title
    No. 2. Waltz
    Duration
    01:29
    Composer
    Dmitri Shostakovich
    Performer
    Giuseppe Andaloro
  10. 10 No. 3. Polka 01:04
    Track
    10
    Title
    No. 3. Polka
    Duration
    01:04
    Composer
    Dmitri Shostakovich
    Performer
    Giuseppe Andaloro
  11. 11 Prelude No. 24 in D Minor 04:50
    Track
    11
    Title
    Prelude No. 24 in D Minor
    Duration
    04:50
    Composer
    Dmitri Shostakovich
    Performer
    Giuseppe Andaloro
  12. 12 Fugue No. 24 in D Minor 08:43
    Track
    12
    Title
    Fugue No. 24 in D Minor
    Duration
    08:43
    Composer
    Dmitri Shostakovich
    Performer
    Giuseppe Andaloro