This is exactly what the major classical labels should do in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of
Dmitry Shostakovich, the greatest composer of the Soviet Union: not just release box sets of previously issued
Shostakovich recordings, but release new, challenging
Shostakovich recordings. Coupling the very late Violin Sonata and nearly posthumous Viola Sonata has been done many times before, but coupling arrangements that transcribe the piano part for string orchestra and percussion is wholly new...and very challenging. Even those who already know and love the works will be forced to consider the music anew when confronted by it in quasi-concerto form. Of course, the performers make it easy.
Gidon Kremer is one of the most fiery, brilliant, and intense violinists of his generation and his performance of the Violin Sonata is extraordinary in its emotional impact. Likewise,
Yuri Bashmet is one of the most generous, powerful, and virtuosic Russian violists of his generation and his performance of the Viola Sonata is nearly fatal in its passionate pessimism. The performance by
Kremer's
KREMERata BALTICA, particularly that of percussionist
Andrei Pushkarev, is thoroughly polished but incredibly vital. Although not for the faint of heart or those who think classical music ended with
Tchaikovsky, this disc will amaze, thrill, and move anyone who knows and loves the music of
Shostakovich. Deutsche Grammophon's sound is so transparent that the players are present and palpable.