Interpreting Shostakovich’s Eclectic Second Cello Concerto
This sometimes stark, sometimes strange, always allusive work deserves more attention
Many cellists and music lovers worldwide know and love Dmitri Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto, Op. 107 (1959), for the electrifying rhythmic energy and memorable themes that have made it part of the standard repertoire. But how many cellists have even heard Shostakovich’s Second Cello Concerto, Op. 125 (1966), much less played it?
At first hearing, this lesser-known concerto can seem stark and strange, with its sparser orchestration and discordant harmonies. A closer look, however, reveals a fascinating example of Shostakovich’s late-period obsession with quoting his own and other composers’ works.
Riddled with allusions from Shostakovich’s musical past, the Second Cello Concerto presents exciting possibilities for interpretation in performance.
This article, "Interpreting Shostakovich’s Eclectic Second Cello Concerto," is part of the Strings Archive, which you can access with a paid site subscription.
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