Thank you so much for finally publishing this precious document! This is perhaps the most profound work created after World War II, highly introverted and strictly eschewing any showy effects. Suffering from a fatal heart ailment, Shostakovich composed the sonata replete with cross-references to his own works and those of others in a frenetic race with death which he won by a mere three days. Shostakovich's artistic, political, and social commitments were total, and thus he suffered more than hardly any other artist. This interpretation milks every drop of agony from every note! The piano part is significantly subordinated to the viola part. It is fascinating to observe how Ms. Korepanova moves her head at every turn of phrase during the viola's extensive cadenza, and she negotiates the relatively sparse piano part with the utmost delicacy and discretion throughout. The final movement reinstates the character of the so-called “Moonlight Sonata” as a funeral march - in this case, it is Shostakovich's funeral march for himself, but also for the countless victims of the atrocious conflicts of the 20th century. This interpretation seems to me to be practically perfect; I cannot imagine a better one.
powerful, beautiful sound from Milena.
and great accompaniment on the piano.
ending with a sad, romantic fade-away.
Love it!
One of my favorite performance
Thank you so much for finally publishing this precious document! This is perhaps the most profound work created after World War II, highly introverted and strictly eschewing any showy effects. Suffering from a fatal heart ailment, Shostakovich composed the sonata replete with cross-references to his own works and those of others in a frenetic race with death which he won by a mere three days.
Shostakovich's artistic, political, and social commitments were total, and thus he suffered more than hardly any other artist. This interpretation milks every drop of agony from every note! The piano part is significantly subordinated to the viola part. It is fascinating to observe how Ms. Korepanova moves her head at every turn of phrase during the viola's extensive cadenza, and she negotiates the relatively sparse piano part with the utmost delicacy and discretion throughout. The final movement reinstates the character of the so-called “Moonlight Sonata” as a funeral march - in this case, it is Shostakovich's funeral march for himself, but also for the countless victims of the atrocious conflicts of the 20th century.
This interpretation seems to me to be practically perfect; I cannot imagine a better one.
@Maximilian Archie What is this remark doing here?
Amazing performance of a rare masterpiece - A huge bravo, Asiya and Milena!
Fantastico!!!
What a wonderful duet! Thank you very much for sharing this!