Dmitri Shostkovich's [sic] Piano Concerto Op. 35 PDF Download

Author: Jung-Hwa Lee
Publisher:
ISBN:
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Languages : en
Pages : 165

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Book Description
Abstract: The Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich completed his Piano Concerto, no. 1 Op. 35 in 1933. The Piano Concerto Op. 35 is manifests diverse features of Shostakovich's musical style. Shostakovich uses numerous quotations and allusions that might go unperceived by the typical concertgoer. This concerto was also influenced by film editing techniques. The Piano Concerto Op. 35 is a demanding piece to perform. Its technical difficulties require heavy amounts of practice for pianists. it is also essential to have substantial rehearsals for a well-balanced ensemble with solo trumpet and string orchestra. The harmonic progressions in a contemporary idiom make the work difficult to memorize. Finally, one needs to be able to project adequately the quotations and allusions. The present document addresses these issues and others in order to provide guide that will enable pianists to produce a stylistically informed interpretation of this composition. Chapter 2 of this document provides a biographical sketch of Shostakovich's life, focusing on the events that influenced his music and styles. Chapter 3 presents a formal overview of the Piano Concerto Op. 35. It includes the general musical background and a formal analysis of the composition by movement. The use of quotations and allusions from other work is addressed, as well as the influence of film editing techniques. Finally, Chapter 4 offers performance guidelines and suggestions for pianists, based on the present author's actual performance experience. In addition, Chapter 4 includes a discussion of the recordings of thirteen pianists, including general performance tendencies and the interpretation of this concerto. The composer's own performance in two recordings receives a particularly detailed treatment. The document demonstrates the importance of understanding pertinent musical indications of dynamics, tempi, articulations, and expression markings, along with a discussion of the musical and cultural influences on the music and its various interpretations from some of the greatest pianists. Thus, the overall purpose of this document is to endow the pianist with a more profound understanding of the music and in turn to help facilitate a convincing performance.