Shostakovich began his career with hopes of becoming a professional pianist, and throughout his life he maintained a close
association with this instrument. He enjoyed playing in private and in public, and recorded compositions of his own in the
1940s and 1950s. Some of his most ebullient (Piano Concerto No.1, Op.35) and personal (Jewish Folk Poetry Op.49, Preludes
and Fugues, Op.87) scores were written for the piano. Many of his piano recordings are unfamiliar to classical music lovers
because of their poor sound quality, but this compilation makes for enjoyable listening.
________________________________________________________
PRD 250 365-366
________________________________________________________
