Help me fall in love with Shostakovich

[Farkle]

Hi, all!

Between Raphael's posting of the 8th symphony, and Olivier stating his influences from Shostakovich on his cello concerto, I have to admit, my interest is seriously piqued.

Conceptually, I'm sure I'd love Shosty; it's just, that during my compositional training, we focused on Stravinsky and Ravel (both of whom I adore). Plus, I have a soft spot for Sam Barber and Aaron Copland (A-MER-ica). :)

So, can I get some recommendations for some great Shostakovich pieces? Doesn't have to be full symphonies, or full concertos. Movements, etudes, whatever works. I just want to dive into this guy... I'm really interested to learn more of his music!

For reference, here are several pieces by the above composers that I love, so you kind of get what sounds I prefer. At a general level, I like dramatic, narrative, Cinematic music (hence, lots of ballets and character pieces here). :)

Ravel: Daphnis and Chloe (Ballet and Suites), Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Strings, Flute, Clarinet
Stravinsky: Rite of Spring, Firebird (Ballet and Suites), Symphony of Psalms
Copland: Billy the Kid, Appalachian Spring (Ballets)
Sam Barber: Overture to the School for Scandal, Essay No. 1 for Orchestra, Piano Concerto, Violin Concerto
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet (Ballet and Suites)[/i


Thank you all for sharing your gems with me!

Mike

[Raph]

Do you like Bach?

Oh, you're even a counterpoint geek?

And you're like "what a shame counterpoint is outfashioned by now!"

I have some great news.

It's alive.

And you also like Chosta? What a chance!

You'll love his Preludes and fugues op. 24 :

https://youtu.be/rLzC9WY9KNk

If you don't know (yet) his 1st Cello concerto, just have a listen to the 1st movement, and how violent it can get:

https://youtu.be/RKVU6TzM8gg

[Raph]

Also, if you drive a lot, this 10 CD-box will fulfill you during the long road. Because there is something to grab in every symphony he made.

Plus it looks great:


Also, if you transcribe stuff and want to check some excerpts (Chosta not in PD), we have almost everything:

[Raph]

And to finish this sequence by the very best, by the "if there were only one thing to listen to":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoI_d_gQ62g

Chostakovitch and pop music. All the Jazz album is worth it.

[Kyle Judkins]

I like symphony 9, 10, 11, 12

[Kyle Judkins]

https://youtu.be/fSJwP5dvzPg

and bonus, this youth orchestra was great

the allegro is spiccyy