Which works by Dmitri Shostakovich do you recommend?

Comments ( 3 )

1. mephistopheles says

   As no one has mentioned it I will put forward the case for Symphony No. 8 in C minor which is my favourite symphony by Shostakovich and the first I ever listened to.
   I can not believe our much esteemed contributor has recommended the 9th !
   I like the dark, harrowing, tragic works I ain’t interested in his lighter side.

   Reply

2. del_icious_manager says

   I would suggest you start with the following pieces:

   Cello Sonata
   Piano Concerto No 2
   String Quartet No 8
   Symphony No 5
   Symphony No 9

   Then progress to these:
   Cello Concerto No 1
   Piano Concerto No 1
   Piano Quintet
   String Quartet No 5
   Symphony No 10
   Symphony No 1
   Violin Concerto No 1

   Then these:
   The Execution of Stepan Razin
   Piano Trio No 2
   String Quartet No 9
   Symphony No 7 (Leningrad)
   Symphony No 11 (The Year 1905)
   Violin Concerto No 2

   You will find the ballet suites and film music easy listening, but they don’t, in the most part, represent the best of Shostakovich.

   Then explore, explore, explore!

   EDIT: Mephy: My recommendation for the 9th was based on its accessibility to a Shostakovich ‘newbie’. I too love the 8th, but it’s far from an easy listen for someone not yet immersed in Shostakovich’s language. And, let’s make no bones about it, the 9th is a GREAT little symphony in the same way that Prokofiev’s ‘Classical’ Symphony, although lacking the profundity of Nos 3, 5 or 6, is a fantastic achievement.

   Reply

3. Caz says

   Waltz No. 2 which is taken from “Suite for Variety Orchestra” is my favourite. Very catchy tune! Symphonies 5 and 7 are popular pieces too.

   Reply