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Synopsis
David Hurwitz provides a descriptive analysis of Dmitri Shostakovich's 21 symphonies and concertos, work by work, explaining not just why they are significant documents of their time and place, but why they are great music! This work offers readers an understanding of why Shostakovich's music enjoys the enduring support of performers and listeners alike, and how it fits into the great tradition of Western classical music generally. Accompanying full-length CD includes: Symphony No. 5, Op. 47; Moderato - Allegretto - Largo - Allegro non troppo; Cello Concerto No. 2, Op. 126; Largo - Allegretto (attacca) - Allegretto.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is an utterly absorbing book. Hurwitz deals with all of Shostakovich's major orchestoral works and leads you through the highs and lows of each opus. Sitting listening to a symphony and reading Hurwitz's considered yet exuberant account is a delight. It even comes with a CD of the 5th symphony.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book has done exactly what I wanted: it has opened up whole areas of Shostakovich's music that I previously found dark and mysterious. The author provides a clear description of the form each of the 15 symphonies and 6 concertos. There is enough detail to follow the music with confidence but not so much that it becomes tedious or detracts from listening. Whilst I have enjoyed works like the 5th and 7th symphonies for years, this really did help me to understand and appreciate works like the 13th and, from that, to start listening to less well known pieces (not covered here) like the Songs of Marina Tsvetayeva.
Shostakovich is inseparable from politics and the turbulent times he lived through. David Hurwitz provides some of the background to many of the works. This helps to understand, at least in part, the composers state of mind and motivation. I also found it useful to read one of the good biographies of the composer (in my case Shostakovich: A Life by Laurel Fay) in parallel. This gave me greater depth and I found it both helpful and rewarding. Shostakovich was a complex character and you can't help forming an opinion about where he lies between collaborator and dissident.
Overall, a fantastic book that has greatly enriched my appreciation of Shostakovich and enjoyment of his music.
Shostakovich is inseparable from politics and the turbulent times he lived through. David Hurwitz provides some of the background to many of the works. This helps to understand, at least in part, the composers state of mind and motivation. I also found it useful to read one of the good biographies of the composer (in my case Shostakovich: A Life by Laurel Fay) in parallel. This gave me greater depth and I found it both helpful and rewarding. Shostakovich was a complex character and you can't help forming an opinion about where he lies between collaborator and dissident.
Overall, a fantastic book that has greatly enriched my appreciation of Shostakovich and enjoyment of his music.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book is just what I was after. I was looking for something that would guide me through those Shostakovich works I was finding it difficult to grasp - the Fourth and Fourteenth Symphonies, for example, along with the second concertos for violin and cello. Hurwitz has an approachable style without being simplistic. Serious students might want something meatier, but for the interested amateur just after some signposts, an inkling into Shostakovich's musical structures, and a bit of biography thrown in, this little manual fits the bill. The one thing I did miss were some written out musical examples, but Hurwitz's descriptive skills allow you easily to listen to the music and follow the text at the same time.
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